A new duo are at the coalface of Club Waimea’s much-loved annual event for former West Coasters to reminisce about the best of west.
Greymouth-born traffic cop Pete Carmody, who is based in Stoke and lives in Wakefield, and Debbie Ricketts who hails from Blackball, have teamed up with five-year co-organiser Helen Bennett to helm the ex West Coasters get together.
Pete and Debbie succeed co-organiser Murray Wieblitz who stepped back from organising duties at last year’s event, which was held in August, before passing away in November, threatening the reunion’s future.
It couldn’t be clearer that the region with a rich mining heritage, untamed landscape, social fabric, and where rugby league looms larger than union, is still in Pete and Debbie’s veins.
It’s that spirit which has led them to co-organising the gathering for those 150-200 former West Coast attendees.
“Did you bring your sleeping bag?” - Pete quips during the part of our interview when the trio share their West Coast memories, which include the notorious high rainfall.
“You leave the West Coast, but the West Coast never leaves you,” he cherishes.
“When you meet someone [at the get together] that you didn't know, and all of a sudden they say they come from the coast, the doors open.
“It's quite amazing, how there could be a relation here, or someone that you know that they know.”
Pete’s father worked at what is now the Greymouth Star for 51 years and he went to school with long-serving former Grey District mayor, Tony Kokshoorn.
The 2026 gathering, open to anyone with a connection to the West Coast, will be held on Sunday, 28 June from 1pm, offering a chance to reconnect, meet new people and reminisce about the places they once called home.
This year, Greymouth-based Westfleet Fishing boss Craig Boote is the guest speaker, who will share insights into the New Zealand fishing industry, the quota management system and its importance to both the West Coast and Nelson.
Tickets cost $10 and include afternoon tea. RSVP is required by 5pm on 20 June to helenbennett060@gmail.com, carmodyfamily@xtra.co.nz, or deb.ricketts59@gmail.com.
