New Zealand's Last Hippie Commune

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  • čas přidán 27. 09. 2022
  • Katajuta was founded in 1971, after six friends travelled to New Zealand's West Coast in search of cheap land. They found an abandoned farm near Fox River, purchased it for $6000 and set up a small 'hippie' commune. Since then, hundreds of people have been and went, attracted by its sense of freedom and communitarian ideals. There are now around ten people living at Katajuta. However, the group is getting old and the community is involved in a legal dispute that could force the land's sale. We went down to the West Coast to talk to its members and see what was going on.
    Katajuta: / foxrivercommunity
    / thedepartmentofinforma...
    / department.ofinformation
    Made by Gryffin Cook, Noah Ferguson-Dudding and Louis Macalister.
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Komentáře • 341

  • @liberateyourslack
    @liberateyourslack Před rokem +405

    Old mate's advice for the younger generation is golden: "harden up a wee bit and have a good look around."
    RIP Ross.

    • @markreynolds1112
      @markreynolds1112 Před rokem

      shit did he die?

    • @sirfer6969
      @sirfer6969 Před rokem +4

      Watch the Sun and the Moon, sounds like a kind of paradise to me

    • @RandomNirvanaSXE
      @RandomNirvanaSXE Před rokem

      "harden up" ahh yes the words told to men in this great country with significantly high suicide rates. Don't kill yourselves kids, just harden up!
      🥱🙄

    • @liberateyourslack
      @liberateyourslack Před rokem

      @@RandomNirvanaSXE that's not the context that he said that in though, not even close. So either you didn't watch the video and are over reacting, or you are being brutally disingenuous and slagging a dead man's character. "Take a look around" champ.

    • @fabiankawau3362
      @fabiankawau3362 Před rokem +3

      @@liberateyourslack he's no champ, he's a chump, a modern day keyboard warrior i believe they are called ✌️

  • @branbermingham9722
    @branbermingham9722 Před rokem +157

    Wow thank you so much for making this, Ross is my grandfather, katajuta is where is was born it’s been hard losing Ross from our lives but seeing this was very comforting for me so thank you.

    • @kenmcculkin
      @kenmcculkin Před rokem

      Sorry for your loss. What is a property worth there.

    • @Threekayz
      @Threekayz Před rokem +1

      @@kenmcculkin free

    • @kenmcculkin
      @kenmcculkin Před rokem

      @@Threekayz I was thinking of moving to NZ and looking for a place far from towns.

    • @Threekayz
      @Threekayz Před rokem +8

      @@kenmcculkin if you are a young person who still wants to live there life, or a first time business setup don't come here. You cant really do much here its boring as fuck and its very hard to be 100 percent independent without a job etc cuz small business here don't get money its a struggle to pay rent we got a crisis. im 23 i have begged and all for the opportunity to just leave this country.. and start overr in the US

    • @Skatted
      @Skatted Před rokem +5

      @@Threekayz lol don't go to the US

  • @jacquiwmch
    @jacquiwmch Před rokem +66

    Rest in peace Ross. I grew up in the hippie communes that dotted the North Island of NZ in the 70's. My father returned home to pass away a few years ago and my mother finally left after a stroke. I'm not sure this is a good representation of the communities still left, there are plenty still in the North Island and it is those that I return to. The people I grew up with were hard workers, they worked hard on the land, they fished and they looked after each other. Nothing has changed, as always they prefer to live quietly without fanfare.

    • @brandonlee1181
      @brandonlee1181 Před rokem +1

      So as a teen someone in Qld Australia, how realistic is it for me to eventually just go and live in a commune?

    • @jacquiwmch
      @jacquiwmch Před rokem +1

      @Brandon Lee Hi, I'm not sure how realistic it would be now in NZ. The communities I go home to are old friends/family. There are plenty of communities all over Australia, perhaps that would be a better start for you. All the best 🌞

    • @David-og7di
      @David-og7di Před 6 dny

      @@brandonlee1181 Not at all easy.

  • @mattkay946
    @mattkay946 Před rokem +171

    incredibly high quality work boys

  • @cerealspiller6168
    @cerealspiller6168 Před rokem +85

    In my mid 20s, I contemplating going deep bush. It's good to know that other people in NZ feel that way

    • @franlang4921
      @franlang4921 Před rokem +1

      The bush is all that's true

    • @angelakenning9285
      @angelakenning9285 Před rokem +1

      You will achieve great freedom to NOT BE PART OF THE WORLD social media what others think .live your life be who you are !!!!!!

    • @theboraxbandit9563
      @theboraxbandit9563 Před rokem +1

      "deep bush" as a brit I found that hilarious...

    • @harlequinn8392
      @harlequinn8392 Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@theboraxbandit9563 right up the crevasse my love.

    • @BOON2785
      @BOON2785 Před 5 měsíci

      Same here !

  • @lindasands1433
    @lindasands1433 Před rokem +13

    I'm also a hippie from way back (still am actually)
    The communes all connected up with each other, and you knew you had a bed and a meal when you went travelling.
    It was a good option for a single mother.
    I've never lived an 'ordinary' conventional lifestyle.
    Now I live off-grid in the mountains & bush. It's hard work, but I love it

  • @GTTemperd
    @GTTemperd Před rokem +14

    That poem/affirmation-"Desiderata"- that the lady was reading in the intro is awesome.I grew up with it on the toilet door to read each morning and it totally used to set me on a good vibe for the day.Thats a beautiful place

  • @jackmiller8851
    @jackmiller8851 Před rokem +84

    Wow guys. What a pivot from JPEGMAFIA taking bud from strangers in an auckland mall, to mega deep and meaningful insight into NZ cultural history. Your skill and depth increases with every upload, I can't wait to see where you go from here. As always, a quality upload. I don't really do Patreon but if you can figure out some sort of one-off donation medium I'll be happy to send some gas money to keep you lads going. Much love and respect, keep up the great work.

  • @thegreenlandshark6086
    @thegreenlandshark6086 Před rokem +84

    Awesome video guys they keep getting better and better. The style in this one was cool it reminds me of Vice a bit, but you have a unique spin on the mini documentary that's really fun to watch.

  • @TXiCN
    @TXiCN Před rokem +22

    So sweet. They seem like a lovely bunch. RIP Ross.

  • @tobinbh3940
    @tobinbh3940 Před rokem +35

    rest in peace Ross.what a beautiful legacy and memories you've created.
    amazing empathetic and understanding interviews..love your channel..

  • @rogdav
    @rogdav Před rokem +12

    I feel like I would absolutely love to live like this... I mean, I can't say for sure, but everything just feels so personal and connected to nature. They seem like lovely people, I really hope that they continue to have ownership of the land... also, their vegetables look delicious...!

  • @pirimoretukariri6256
    @pirimoretukariri6256 Před rokem +13

    Everything about this place is magical and enchanting

  • @theegwana2103
    @theegwana2103 Před rokem +42

    I enjoy living like this I wish there was more place’s like this I’m 35 just starting off grid living quit my job n loving the life style there’s always work to do gardening and taking care of the animals that provide for us I do odd jobs 2 pay for the land
    No stress living is great :)

    • @kyle3895
      @kyle3895 Před rokem +1

      Where abouts?

    • @arn_lorraine_8612
      @arn_lorraine_8612 Před rokem +2

      I'm wanting to live off grid too, live off the land. No people, no traffic, no police sirens..
      Where do I start?..

    • @theegwana2103
      @theegwana2103 Před rokem +1

      @@arn_lorraine_8612 I got a camper van to start off because i can not afford $$ to build a house or cabin and no hassles from council for permits ect then … I now have a old barn with 2nd hand solar and wind mill set up
      private renting/lease or lease to own a slice of land off a farmer was my best option as can’t afford to buy/own the land

    • @theegwana2103
      @theegwana2103 Před rokem

      @@kyle3895 east coast

  • @mr200mg
    @mr200mg Před rokem +4

    The entire project, the systems, the situation, the environment, the beautiful people, how unique. What we've just witnessed, via this fantastic film, is the life of those wondrous souls heading into oblivion. We're seeing a threatened species at the end of their existence. They're coming to their equilibrium, as must we all. We should be taking notes, we should be preserving their views and opinions, we should respect their positions and achievements and we should call by with scones and biscuits for a cup of tea because we could only become ever richer for the experience. I feel saddened for your collective loss re Ross. Sorry, that rhymes. That wasn't my intention. He should have changed his name in anticipation. How thoughtless of him? Huge love and respect to you wonderful people.

  • @MsAlien911
    @MsAlien911 Před rokem +10

    Cool to see these folk on film. Good sorts Billy, Jane, Suzi And RIP Ross, long may fox river commune last.

  • @viewsONTRENDING
    @viewsONTRENDING Před rokem +6

    Good on you young guys, getting out shooting stories, allowing us to view things we never knew we wanted to. Subbed

  • @OMDAT
    @OMDAT Před rokem +13

    Love the respect you guys show for these folks. Lovely to watch.

  • @tb3491
    @tb3491 Před rokem +2

    So awesome to watch this. Fox River has always been my 'home' & it is because of you Billy, & Ross (so sadly missed) & Maj, Jane, Frank & Jane - I love you guys so much. Those years with you created the rest of my life.

  • @tdb7992
    @tdb7992 Před rokem +8

    I was surprised to hear the nice older woman say "pack a sad". We always say "have a sad" in Australia. Brilliant documentary - New Zealand is such a great place.

  • @Mantras-and-Mystics
    @Mantras-and-Mystics Před 6 měsíci +1

    Did anyone else cry at the beginning when she was reading Desiderata? 😮‍💨 Those idealistic days ...

  • @joetownsend4517
    @joetownsend4517 Před rokem +10

    bigger fan than the other guy

  • @NewZealandWild
    @NewZealandWild Před rokem +4

    Great work guys ! I first stayed here in the 80's with Bukko, then down at thhe Stone House at White Horse Creek. Got married on the bridge in 2012 ... both since collapsed. Must go back and visit soon. Jane is great. Billy is back in Thailand I think.

  • @sherylhokianga6075
    @sherylhokianga6075 Před rokem +2

    I Remember When I Was Bought Up On a Farm In Coroglen Where There Was a Hippy Commune Across The River From Where We Lived!..I Dreamt Of Becoming a Hippie After Seeing How They Lived!.lol…I Was Only 11yrs Old At The Time!..That Commune Maynot Be On That Gentle Annie Road Anymore!..I Have No Idea If It Still Exists Today!..Wonderful Memories!

  • @superchargedjay
    @superchargedjay Před rokem +3

    One of my favourite channels on the platform, and I loved this video. Glad to see such quality stuff coming from my home country :)

  • @djhazzawazza43
    @djhazzawazza43 Před rokem +4

    Thankyou for sharing this experience you had.

  • @hamishgraham4133
    @hamishgraham4133 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful video, you guys are killing it and only getting better. Looking forward to the next one

  • @FountainBeee
    @FountainBeee Před rokem +3

    What a blessing to have lived my first 14 years on the West Coast.

  • @justjane805
    @justjane805 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for the video. A lovely quiet story of people living well.

  • @timmathers1749
    @timmathers1749 Před rokem +9

    Awesome mini docs keep em coming love the content

  • @jedstancliffe1901
    @jedstancliffe1901 Před rokem +1

    Always excited to see an upload for you guys, keep up the amazing mahi!

  • @vizbuck
    @vizbuck Před rokem +6

    Theres heaps around my bro. I go to two that are near Palmerston North.

  • @Fruppelkungen
    @Fruppelkungen Před rokem +5

    Well done, what you're doing here is really amazing and captures NZ in a way I've never seen represented before.

  • @KonFry
    @KonFry Před rokem +5

    i see these guys going a long way in the broadcasting industry. quality content as always.

  • @finnjackson4083
    @finnjackson4083 Před rokem +4

    really high quality fantastic coverage thank you so much

  • @illi_346
    @illi_346 Před rokem +6

    Awesome video about exceptional people and community

  • @gabrielavonkanelfyfe74
    @gabrielavonkanelfyfe74 Před rokem +2

    Beautiful documentary honouring the diversity of these people and their chosen lifestyles 🙏. Thank you.

  • @davidwilson2543
    @davidwilson2543 Před rokem +1

    This is excellent work ...really enjoyed it ! Thank you!

  • @lochlancampbell4364
    @lochlancampbell4364 Před rokem +8

    Awesome video yet again. Keeps getting better.
    You guys should have a look into the community’s Moehau and Mahana. Both up the tip of the coromandel peninsula, and both similar yet also different to this one.
    Vice has done a video on Mahana but it went in a unpleasant way and didn’t show at all what it is at the moment.
    Anyways cheers guys keep up the great work 🤙

  • @Rjackw
    @Rjackw Před rokem +3

    Great vid guys, this style of content I haven't seen done in a while.

  • @keepitstreet8662
    @keepitstreet8662 Před rokem +6

    Bro's chillin with the 30m mic cable

  • @Dannyjonesss__
    @Dannyjonesss__ Před rokem +5

    always look forward to these

  • @pampossum9431
    @pampossum9431 Před rokem +1

    I loved Ross immensely, he had a massive influence on my life along with many others at Katajuta, beautiful people.

  • @watermelon2223
    @watermelon2223 Před rokem +17

    Great video guys, keep this up and you’ll be pros in no time

  • @bigsteve2052
    @bigsteve2052 Před rokem +1

    Quality of these vids goes up with every new upload, rate the work lads.
    Rest in Love Ross

  • @KevinLJ-Photography
    @KevinLJ-Photography Před rokem +1

    Great doco team! I loved the portraits.

  • @johnboy384
    @johnboy384 Před rokem +3

    Wonderful story about wonderful people living free. All the best to all of them.

  • @tahuaroa
    @tahuaroa Před rokem +2

    5:11 Papatūānuku being mentioned warms my heart… Arohanui, Tahuaroa

  • @juicee828
    @juicee828 Před rokem +6

    Your projects are incredible you guys are soon to be huge much love❤

  • @loganlucas2052
    @loganlucas2052 Před rokem +2

    Well done fellas. Enjoying the content!

  • @willlovell247
    @willlovell247 Před rokem

    Thanks for this legends!

  • @VALTRY3K
    @VALTRY3K Před rokem +9

    my god this is beautiful, great story guys, keep it coming

  • @tvguy9041
    @tvguy9041 Před rokem +1

    This is brilliant, I hope this blows up.

  • @MisterChappy
    @MisterChappy Před rokem +4

    really good storytelling. really insightful. fantastic.

  • @oddtings
    @oddtings Před rokem

    Powerful video guys. Great work!

  • @cheeseisdelicious111
    @cheeseisdelicious111 Před rokem

    This is really well made and interesting. Great work

  • @mrmrboundy6566
    @mrmrboundy6566 Před rokem +3

    you guys are making great stuff keep it up

  • @xjet
    @xjet Před rokem +3

    Good work guys, I really enjoyed this video.

  • @cassbarker1966
    @cassbarker1966 Před rokem +6

    Aaaaaawwww this place needs an injection of youth ! And such a shame that it hasn’t evolved as people age 😢 I’m absolutely positive that there is plenty of youthful likeminded people out there! 😊 maybe a marketing campaign to highlight this beautiful area! 😊 I’d be there in a flash if I didn’t have the responsibilities I do now! Maybe in a few years I could make the effort ❤❤❤❤

  • @slim9768
    @slim9768 Před rokem +2

    Another great video, keep up the good work!

  • @Michan4206
    @Michan4206 Před rokem +2

    Please never stop uploading

  • @burgurxburgur5319
    @burgurxburgur5319 Před 7 měsíci

    Never heard someone use the machinaruim soundtrack for a documentary. Amazing video thank you for sharing this

  • @anjalir75
    @anjalir75 Před rokem +1

    Great work and thank you for this video. Wonderful people all

  • @E024_
    @E024_ Před rokem +3

    I hope places like this still exist when I grow up. I hope to live in a commune like this :))

  • @ngairemartin9753
    @ngairemartin9753 Před 2 dny

    Beautiful generation I remember with love.❤
    Arohanui.❤ from Queensland Australia ex Picton.

  • @GTTemperd
    @GTTemperd Před rokem +4

    The Fox River is such an incredible place I would recommend visiting and walking there.There are awesome caves,bush, tracks and of course rivers.oh can't forget the blue meanies;-)

    • @bush600r2
      @bush600r2 Před rokem +1

      What are the blue meanies? lol, sorry I don't get out much

    • @bushmanphotos
      @bushmanphotos Před rokem +3

      @@bush600r2 magic mushrooms

    • @GTTemperd
      @GTTemperd Před rokem +1

      @@bush600r2 haha they're lovely little shrooms m8

  • @MitchBragg-fi9ey
    @MitchBragg-fi9ey Před 3 měsíci +1

    I lived next door as a kid next to the comune at Coroglen up the gentle Annie, rangihau road

  • @OneRequiem123
    @OneRequiem123 Před rokem +1

    Great work!!!

  • @mikeryan4552
    @mikeryan4552 Před rokem +5

    how u guys only have 24k subscribers is beyond me

  • @antonmorgan8031
    @antonmorgan8031 Před rokem

    Great work again guys. Keep it up.

  • @terrymadams8591
    @terrymadams8591 Před rokem +3

    I lived there for 3 months in the mid 70s, it was a golden era.

    • @terrymadams8591
      @terrymadams8591 Před rokem +5

      When I was there Ross had built a lovely dome house up on the hill and had a flying fox cable to winch materials up , it later featured in the NZ film Goodby Pork Pie . RIP Ross.

  • @boji_03
    @boji_03 Před rokem +2

    Guys, this was really beautifully done. Today we're all stuck in the aether. Sitting down and playing in the dirt is where we ought to be. Whether you guys believe in what they talk of doesn't matter. You showed them respect and covered it wonderfully. Keep up the exceptional work. Love from Aus

  • @MrSentia
    @MrSentia Před rokem +1

    Awesome work guys

  • @reudy8518
    @reudy8518 Před rokem +2

    I absolutely love the Machinarium soundtrack in the background, great work

  • @somenerdpng
    @somenerdpng Před rokem

    This feels like new zealand channel 5, and it’s fire. Love these so much!

  • @julianalderson3938
    @julianalderson3938 Před rokem

    Great queskions. An great vid. Thankyou

  • @barron204
    @barron204 Před rokem +1

    Sad turn towards the end. Interesting video. Looking forward to more.

  • @jonathanmoeg1202
    @jonathanmoeg1202 Před rokem

    More great characters and some awesome scenery to boot. Dropping the channel intro is a good move I think, straight into the meat.

  • @aimlit
    @aimlit Před rokem +1

    loved this video lads!!

  • @Williamottelucas
    @Williamottelucas Před rokem +4

    Might one solution to the problem of selling up be to find someone prepared to 'buy' but then donate the land back to the community? It's a shame to see those ugly red lines of ownership superimposed on that native bush landscape.

  • @katrinamarysmith
    @katrinamarysmith Před rokem

    Excellent interviewing skills

  • @francescabellbooth5432
    @francescabellbooth5432 Před rokem +1

    Great video guys 👍

  • @LuuvYouLongTime
    @LuuvYouLongTime Před rokem +1

    These people are so wise and insightful

  • @FlowerPowerNZ
    @FlowerPowerNZ Před rokem +8

    There are several communes in existence. Thanks for sharing :-)

    • @shoutatthesky
      @shoutatthesky Před rokem

      But how many are true "hippie communes"?

    • @FlowerPowerNZ
      @FlowerPowerNZ Před rokem

      @@shoutatthesky Several of them but its a difficult definition because as they age they become more cliquey. Can't speak for Katajuta because I haven't been there but seen this issue elsewhere. Most of them complain younger folk aren't joining but when you turn up you find they have what they actually want.

  • @tripodfish92
    @tripodfish92 Před rokem +6

    wonderful folks, wish them nothing but the best

  • @hagathacrusty8995
    @hagathacrusty8995 Před rokem +5

    Awesome. love the old hippies, they know whats up.

  • @rubenp1173
    @rubenp1173 Před rokem

    appreciate u guys

  • @haziyo
    @haziyo Před rokem +2

    Heard that Machinarium song, love it, good vid

  • @sativasounds
    @sativasounds Před rokem

    Beautiful! I've got to find this place

  • @andregoldbert8230
    @andregoldbert8230 Před rokem

    Quality work gents.

  • @benneville4995
    @benneville4995 Před rokem

    awesome vid bro

  • @kacp
    @kacp Před rokem

    this video feels so calm

  • @vespertide7311
    @vespertide7311 Před rokem

    Great work

  • @andreteodorescu7196
    @andreteodorescu7196 Před rokem +2

    Suzie's house seemed to be much more minimalistic, very nice looking house.

  • @monkeypig9458
    @monkeypig9458 Před rokem +2

    Brilliant work, so much B-roll gold!. I love what you are doing, thank you.

  • @bushmanphotos
    @bushmanphotos Před rokem +5

    what a beautiful place

  • @fothbas
    @fothbas Před rokem +1

    love your videos guys

  • @threeethreeethreee
    @threeethreeethreee Před rokem +3

    jolly good show - keep doing what ur doing and i will keep watching and keep telling others i know where the good stuff is ⋮)

  • @Mell0wY3ll0w
    @Mell0wY3ll0w Před rokem +1

    Great content , keep it up.

  • @Russell_Chubb
    @Russell_Chubb Před rokem +1

    Great work lads