What is 150 Years of Connection?
150 Years of Connection marks the 150th year of Westland formally existing as a district (formerly a province). That’s 150 years of connection to the rest of the world – first by foot, then by horse, carriage, ship, car, train, and later plane. To celebrate, Westland is hosting a flurry of events over the period of August ‘23 – August ‘24, and we invite you to join us.
The project honours the people and their creative, dedicated approach to building infrastructure to overcome obstacles such as foreboding mountains, raging rivers, deep forests, and wild weather. It also highlights connection between people, nature and communities… any bonds that make our District the unique place it is today.
What’s On?
March 9
Wildfoods Festival 2023
Hokitika’s annual Wildfoods Festival is a celebration of the West Coast’s unique wild food and lifestyle, accompanied by premier entertainment.

March 11
South Island Ultra Marathon
There are 3 events all being held on the amazing West Coast Wilderness Trail where runners will experience Lakes, Reservoirs, Rivers, Streams, Water Races, Swing Bridges, Bridges from Historic Tram

March 2
Lake Kaniere Triathlon
The Lake Kaniere Scenic Triathlon, in its 39th year includes a kayak triathlon, swim triathlon, long distance swim, duathlon, run, walk, junior swim triathlon and a junior duathlon.

January 6
Gold Nuggets Race Day
Join the Kumara Racing Club at the iconic Gold Nuggets race day! Come and experience the one and only Kumara Gold Nuggets race day, be part of the fun and

December 7
True West Adventure Race 2023
True West is an adventure challenge in some of New Zealand’s most remote and wild terrain. Teams of adventure athletes embark on non-stop races, enduring grueling challenges across rugged terrain

Stories of Connection
Funding for Event Organisers
We are welcoming Westland-based event organisers to apply for funding to promote events that celebrate connection in our district.
The key objectives of the project are to:
- Bring West Coasters home for specific events and festivities that have a connection with the project through 2023 & 24.
- To financially support events in the district that have a link with the ‘connection’ element.
- To enhance the capability of these events with marketing and infrastructure support to ‘celebrate the hard work that has been done by many to connect our region to the world over the last 150 Years’.
- To celebrate the stories associated with ‘connecting the district’ and to build confidence in the telling of them.
Key criteria for you to consider for project event funding are:
- In what way does it match the theme of Connection?
- Is your event repeatable?
- Is your event running prior to August 2024?
- What time of year and how many people would it involve?
- Do you have (the right) people in organisational roles that would be best supported by a marketing budget ?(This is where we come in – provision of, and assistance with your event marketing).
If your event meets the above criteria and you would like to be part of the 150 Years of Celebration, please complete the registration form below.
Where to Stay
For your trip planning and travel ideas in Westland check out the Hokitika I-site website.