The Cleine Line

Jamie Cleine examines a new IAG report and argues New Zealand must shift from paying to rebuild after disasters to funding risk reduction before they occur. Using West Coast and Tasman examples, he questions why councils and local ratepayers carry the heaviest burden while insurers and banks—major beneficiaries—contribute little. Cleine proposes a national natural hazard risk reduction fund, suppo...

Jamie Cleine examines the growing sense of alienation across New Zealand, particularly in regional and rural communities, where people feel unheard and disconnected from decision-making. The episode outlines why this matters for trust and social cohesion and calls for stronger regional respect, balanced decision-making, better infrastructure, support for productive industries, and a calmer public...

Kia ora, welcome to a special Anzac edition of The Cleine Line. This episode sets aside politics to reflect on sacrifice and service — from Gallipoli to recent peacekeeping and humanitarian missions — and reflects on personal stories, like Private Hartley Palmer’s, that reveal the human cost of conflict. We honour those who served and the families who waited at home, reminding listeners that peace...

Kia ora — Jamie Cleine, former mayor of Buller and potential New Zealand First candidate, offers a straight-talking regional take on the first week back in Parliament and what it means for West Coast Tasman. He reviews each major party’s opening messages, explains why the seat’s open race matters with both incumbents stepping down, and argues the electorate needs practical support for industries,...

Kia ora — Jamie Cleine explores how disappearing airline routes affect communities like Buller, tracing Westport’s aviation history and the real-life impacts on healthcare, tourism, jobs and local confidence. The episode looks at the commercial pressures facing regional carriers, new government support measures, and what communities can do to keep vital connections open so the coast can thrive.

Kia ora — Jamie Cleine explores whitebaiting on the West Coast: what whitebait are, the cultural importance for Māori and local communities, and personal memories from Buller families and elders. The episode examines environmental pressures, management and compliance efforts, and how community action and rules aim to protect the fishery so future generations can keep the tradition alive.

Kia ora — Jamie Cleine, Mayor of Buller, explores why official projections paint the West Coast as declining while recent data shows modest population growth driven by international migration and lifestyle relocations. The episode explains that projections are conditional scenarios, not certainties, and outlines practical strategies to make growth stick: targeted attraction of workers, multi-year...

Kia ora — Jamie Cleine, Mayor of Buller, explores why local government and the upcoming local elections matter. He explains how councils shape daily life, the shared challenges of infrastructure, climate resilience and affordability, and the critical need for cooperation with central government. Jamie zooms in on the West Coast and Buller, highlighting the importance of unity across districts and...

Kia ora — welcome to The Cleine Line with Jamie Cleine, Mayor of Buller. In this episode Jamie explores the rise of Parkrun and how the global movement has taken root in Westport with the new Lost Lagoon Parkrun. We hear from local organisers, volunteers and visiting runners about the event's inclusive, community and mental-health benefits, plus partnerships like Speed Freaks. Join the Lost Lagoon...

Kia ora — Jamie Cleine, Mayor of Buller, hosts a candid episode about youth life on the West Coast, focusing on the inaugural Buller Youth Festival. The episode explores national youth policy, regional challenges, and the festival’s practical workshops and inspirational speakers who aim to build pride, resilience and future pathways for local rangatahi. Listeners hear stories from organisers, perf...

In this episode of The Cleine Line, Mayor Jamie Cleine explores the groundbreaking Westport master plan, "Cutting Our Own Track." This community-led initiative looks beyond traditional approaches, aiming not just to mitigate natural hazards but to shape the social and economic landscape of Westport. Join us as we discuss the challenges of climate and geological risks, the strategic interventions o...

In this episode of The Cleine Line, Mayor Jamie Cleine takes us through a detailed reflection on the 2025 Local Government New Zealand Conference held in Christchurch. Focusing on the significant outcomes and directional changes revealed at the conference, Jamie shares insights from key political figures including Simon Watts, David Seymour, and Chris Bishop. The episode delves into central govern...

In this episode of The Cleine Line, Jamie Cleine discusses the new Local Water Done Well reforms that mandate councils to develop a Water Services Delivery Plan. He explains the implications of these reforms for local councils, particularly in Buller, and the decision to form a multi-council Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) to manage water services. The conversation delves into the complexiti...

This episode discusses the importance of Bathurst Resources and their Stockton coal mine to the Buller economy and our community.   This means utilising the coal resources available including the Denniston Plateau to ensure a decades long time period to plan and enable a just transition of the economy and the people of the Buller.  Making a plan for when the coal runs out. This episode points out...

The Cleine Line is hosted by Buller Mayor - Jamie Cleine and is a place for honest conversations about local government, life on the Coast, and everything in between. This isn’t the official council line — it’s a personal take on what’s happening in our communities, around the council table, and sometimes from the halls of Parliament too. Each episode, I’ll share what I’ve been up to, what I’m hea...