10:45 The man behind what could be NZ's capital of gemstone collecting
The tiny settlement of Birdlings Flat about 45 minutes from Christchurch could possibly lay claim to be the capital of gemstone collecting in New Zealand.
Vince Burke is the proprietor of the Birdlings Flat Gemstone & Fossil Museum which houses one of the largest, if not the largest collections of natural gemstones in the country.
Vince estimates there's about 10,000 plus pieces in the museum.
But at 85 he reckons it's time to step back and let someone else manage the massive collection which is now for sale.
Vince Burke has gathered gemstones, fossils and other specimens from all over New Zealand. Photo: Birdlings Flat Museum
