Ōamaru, the Waitaki, and some of its newer residents, will star in a new television series next month.

Country House Hunters NZ filmed two episodes in Ōamaru, following two couples who had moved to the town, on their hunt for a new home.

The series is based on a successful Australian series of the same name, and showcases people choosing to live more rurally, and leave behind their city lives.

Martin Horspool and Wendy Jones moved to Ōamaru from Auckland this year, and set up shop in Ōamaru’s heritage precinct where Martin makes and sells his quirky Buggyrobot artworks.

“It is certainly great to have been accepted by the community, and my art seems to be a perfect fit for Harbour St,” Martin said.

Wendy said people had been “so generous” and checked in at the shop, to see how the couple were getting on. 

“I even got flagged down on the street by someone who wanted to welcome us and make sure we were settling in okay. We love it here, it’s incredible.”

Anna and Sean Easton, with daughter Frankie (now seven). PHOTO: Anna Easton

Anna and Sean Easton returned to Anna’s native Ōamaru in 2020 from Australia. Sean was born in South Africa.

The couple bought Awamoa Sanitation and was selected by the production team to take part in the series, after deciding it was time to buy their own home. They had been renting since they arrived in town.

They were “so humbled” to be part of Country House Hunters NZ, Anna said.

“What a show! It was such a blast filming with them, we didn’t stop laughing the entire time, plus we got to brag about our home Ōamaru and Waitaki,” she said.

There would be 20 episodes in the series, which was due to begin screening on TVNZ1 in January and would also be on TVNZ On Demand. 

Oamaru was the only town to feature twice, something which did not surprise Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher. 

“It will take twice as many episodes as anyone else to show all the great things Ōamaru has to offer,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase our district, not just as a place to visit, but as a vibrant region with opportunities to live and work,” he said.

Waitaki District Council business attraction and recovery manager Melanie Jones said the council was delighted to support the show.

“It is great to see new business owners being welcomed by our community, sharing their

knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm - and enjoying a new lifestyle,” she said.

Martin and Wendy’s episode will screen at 7pm on Thursday, January 5, followed by Anna and Sean’s the following week.

You can view the promotional video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGCvDCCh4Jw