Karamea Photo: Jessie Creedmore
Karamea is the last stop driving north on Te Wai Pounamu’s West Coast. It’s about as far from anywhere as you can go.
Known for its beautiful Nikau palm dotted bush, beaches, limestone arches and rivers, to go north you have to walk the Heaphy Track, which after lengthy closure is expected to reopen in October.
A pop-up exhibition in Karamea Photo: Jessie Creedmore
At the last census 714 people were living in Karamea, but resident Jessie Creedmore has counted 54 artists, and 21 different nationalities. People span from dairy farmers to artisan producers and alternative lifestylers.
A pop-up exhibition in Karamea Photo: Jessie Creedmore
Locals view their creativity as a key aspect of their community and of future tourism. This weekend sees the return of a Pop-Up Gallery in the old Karamea Hardware Store. Other recent events have included The KaraWearable Art Show and the annual Karamea Pudding Club.
The KaraWearable Art Show in April 2023 Photo: Jessie Creedmore
Mark Amery spoke to Creedmore at the gallery for Culture101’s Regional Wrap
