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, supported by a modest levy on insurers and banks, to co-fund flood protection, infrastructure strengthening and community resilience. He says investing now reduces future claims and premiums, protects insurability, and is more economical for everyone.

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 debate to rebuild connection and hope.

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 requires vigilance and is defended by ordinary people answered to extraordinary calls. To all who have served and their families: thank you. We will remember them.

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, infrastructure and regional communities rather than ideological plans from Wellington.

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 job pipelines and training, better housing and services, and new ways to reinvest resource revenues into lasting community infrastructure.

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 the strategic role of the Port of Westport as a resilience and economic asset. He urges listeners to vote, get involved, and choose representatives who will advocate effectively for the community.

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 Parkrun Saturdays at 8am — free, friendly and for everyone.

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, performers and young locals, learn about funding and community support, and are reminded that youth in Buller are the heart of the region’s future.