After a search that went nationwide, the town of Bluff has their new Town Crier.

Bill Lind, who with his wife Sharron moved to Bluff several years ago to enjoy retirement in a place he loves, was the ideal man for the job.

The historical role of a Town Crier was to make public pronouncements in the streets normally by ringing a bell to gain attention for the message they were about to deliver.

Giving back to the community as Town Crier. Photo: Monica Toretto Photography

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Bill laughs and says, “I have always had a prominent voice. I am from a family of eight, I was the youngest boy, I needed a loud voice. I had to be heard.”

Bill takes over the role from Justine Haenni who moved away recently.

Bill, who is originally from Otago, worked for Fulton Hogan for 30 years and lived in places as diverse as Haast, Balclutha, Wanaka, Alexandra and most recently the Chatham Islands.

In 2012 he and Sharron bought a house in Bluff and did it up while still working in the Chatham’s. “I love Bluff, I’ve got a boat, I’m an ex-fisherman and I love being able to get out on the water.

I’ve got a big garden here, the town has a great history and you are near the ocean. I love it!”

“I applied for the Town Crier role to give something back to the town and to say thanks for having me.” 

There is little doubt that Bill is community minded. He is in the Bluff Coastguard and also frequently performs Santa Claus duties for groups. He has also in the past been part of Search & Rescue and Rural Fire. “I like to help make a difference.”

He is available to groups in Bluff for events and occasions and can be contacted via the Bluff Promotions facebook page. He is already making announcements about the Bluff Promotions Car Boot Sale on Saturday 13 September.

With the role comes all the necessary tools of trade, official robes, a scroll and the obligatory bell.

The bell was donated by local man Paul Pasco and ironically, considering Bill’s background, is off a boat from the Chathams – The Producer - owned by Paul’s uncle Ken Pascoe and built by Dillingham’s in Auckland. “I got the wheel and bell,” says Pasco.

“When I saw the little, wee bell one of our former town criers, Ian (Harry) Holland used I donated this one. It is impressive,” says Pasco. It certainly is impressive and loud – the perfect accompaniment to Bill’s booming Town Crier voice!