Tales of the Buller

The podcast warmly welcomes Ritchie Letchford, a renowned musician from Granity. Recorded in Granity this episode tells the story of a man who has truly been there and back. A man who has rubbed shoulders with some great musicians and has been in a number of well-known Buller bands such as Dirty Mary's Blues Band and 5 Miles High.  The episode contains stories of beating addiction and of the amazing people Ritchie met along the way. Ritchie performs an amazing and personal song at the end of the episode. Enjoy! 

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

This is the second episode with the legendary Johnny Currie from Madman's Creek, Charleston. This time he is joined by his old mate, another Buller legend, Gerald Hart. I felt privileged to have been there. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast is privileged to welcome Johnny Currie from Madman's Creek, Charleston.  This was recorded at Johnnies place and I thank Jeff Richards, Gerald Hart and Alex Forbes for getting me up there. Johnny is more than just a Buller legend; he is a Kiwi legend. A real old school West Coast bushman with years in the bush Johnny has a raft of tales to tell. Living off grid for most of his life Johnny is truly only at home in the West Coast bush. The first of two episodes and one of the most enjoyable for me personally, this is a must listen. The audio is not 100% in places due to the location but it's not too bad. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast welcomes Phil Hyde from Granity. Phil runs a popular local radio channel Dagsy FM on 108.0 out of Granity. Phil hails from the Upper Hutt region and has been in Granity for a number of years. He has strong ties to the Buller with his grandparents, Archie and Zola Simpson having lived here. Phil has been in radio/music for over 20 years and has interacted with some of the greats of NZ (and international) music. His channel also streams live and he has a great website full of information: dagsyfm.epizy.com.  Phil is very passionate about music and radio and it really comes across in the episode. A good natured bloke with a great sense of humour and a passion for music, Phil provides some great history and a few laughs too. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast welcomes back Norm Crawshaw for the final of three fascinating episodes. Norm (QSM) is an example of a life well lived. A life full of travel and of contributing to the community. A stalwart of so much in the Buller he is an icon and it was my privilege to interview him. I think it is fair to say we have not seen the last of Norm so look forward to hearing from him in future seasons. This episode is chock full of tales and good humour. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast welcomes Norm Crawshaw back for episode two of his illustrious life. This is a great episode, one of my favourites, concentrating on life in the Buller, Buller cricket and we make a very interesting start on Buller Rugby. Norm, a winner of the Kings Service Medal (Queens as it was then) and an author of 35 books is truly worthy of multiple episodes. If you have even a passing interest on Buller Sport this one is for you. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast warmly welcomes Norm Crawshaw. Norm is an extremely well known man in the Buller region having been heavily involved in rugby, cricket and the Buller marathon to name but a few. He was a teacher for many years and taught multiple generations of Buller students. Norm has had an extremely interesting life and has been heavily involved in the Buller community for over 50 years. A good natured and intelligent man, Norm speaks with eloquence and wit. This is episode one as we need multiple to even come close to doing justice to Norm's wonderful life. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast warmly welcomes Michael Hart, a member of the illustrious Hart family of the Buller. Michael tells tales of his early life in Westport, playing rugby and rugby league, boxing and more. We get an amazing account of tunnel boring in North Sydney to playing international league for the Irish Wolfhounds. Towards the latter part of the episode is a truly amazing tale of a training session with Mike Tyson!  The whole episode is a rollicking tale of an amazing life told with great humour. Michael did this episode in the midst of family trauma, and I truly thank him for making the effort as it took great courage to get through it. This is truly an episode not to miss. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast welcomes Ray Chandler. A great bloke and native Coaster, born in Hokitika and raised in Reefton Ray has some great tales. Some are not for the faint hearted and include a truck loving duck with sore feet, an Englishman's interesting encounter with an eel and a Danish Aboriginal. I kid you not. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show

The podcast is back in Reefton and talking to the wonderful Moira Lockington KSM. Moira is an incredibly community minded woman who has contributed massively to the community right throughout her life. Presented with the Kings Service Medal in the 2025 honours list Moira is a worthy recipient. Moira tells tales of her childhood and her life in Reefton, her family and some wonderful tales of the past and present. A great episode. Enjoy!

Click here to send me a message! I would love to hear from you.

Support the show