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Big City Living, Small Town Costs

BIG CITY LIVING, SMALL TOWN COSTS

Landing your dream job in the arts sector doesn't often go hand in hand with a small rural town in provincial New Zealand. But for Karis Evans, that's exactly what she found when she moved to be closer to her partner. We caught up with Karis to look back at what that dream role meant for her and where it has helped her get to now.

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Moving to Manawatū meant that Karis and her partner still enjoy the benefits of city-living – like being walking distance to great coffee – but in a much more affordable way. They even purchased their own home just out of the CBD. 

“The home hadn’t been touched since 1957 and we thought it was beautiful – though the real estate agent probably thought we were mad! We are now renovating the property but doing everything we can to maintain that 1950’s look, even painting the kitchen back to its original pink!” 

Just a 15-minute walk to town, Karis talks about her love for time spent at Te Manawa, Square Edge, Zimmerman Gallery and of course exploring the shops and cafes of George Street.  

“I enjoy showing people around when they come to town particularly Georgie Girl and Walters Road in George Street. We also have great theatres! For a small population, we benefit from having a huge range of performers showing us their work.” 

Even the daily commute from Palmerston North to Feilding was enjoyable for Karis.  

“I took the bus, it was perfect! I think of it as a well-priced personal chauffeur service, and it gave me a chance to read my book and enjoy downtime before and after work.” 

A passionate animal lover, Karis also loves that the short commutes give her time in the day with her foster babies. 

“I foster dogs and am super passionate about animal welfare. Pound Pups Hawke’s Bay and Harmony and Hope Animal Rescue are both organisations I have worked with a lot and there are many other small rescues that operate in the region.”  

 

THE FEILDING ART CENTRE

The Feilding Art Centre was set up by The Feilding and District Art Society in the 1960s. The Centre plays host to exhibitions by emerging and established artists, run affordable workshops for artists at all stages of their journey, and has a shop filled with unique art objects by local creators. With an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, events and classes it is worth a visit.

Located on Manchester Street, Feilding, the centre is open Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm or on Saturday: 10am to 1pm or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @FeildingArt.

Feilding Art Centre | Manawatū Art Expo | Feilding Art Society 

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Te Manawa

For twenty years Te Manawa Museum has been the epicentre of art, science and heritage for Te Papaioea. Home to world class exhibitions, events, workshops, activities and learning programmes.

Te Manawa is a great place to visit Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 5:00pm.
Admission is free for general entry.

Stay connected with Te Manawa 

World class & Well connected

Palmerston North and Manawatū is the home to some of the brightest minds in Aotearoa, world-class research and educational institutions and an established business ecosystem that is connected to the world. 
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