Goodbye Auckland, hello Whanganui: Couple excited by art, music, lifestyle opportunities

Amy de Ruiter and Keiran Donnelly feel lucky to live in Whanganui. Photo / Stuart Munro

Just days after arriving in Whanganui, Keiran Donnelly started an arts course and had his abstract painting accepted in the Sarjeant Gallery's annual arts review.

About two months ago he and partner Amy de Ruiter moved into a house her parents bought in Castlecliff. They had come from Auckland, where de Ruiter was a therapist working in sports and remedial massage and Donnelly was a tattoo artist.

Both are looking for a change from their very physical work and relishing the new possibilities here.

It's a city on rural time.

New resident Amy de Ruiter

Donnelly paints and draws but has no formal art qualification. He's just started Whanganui UCOL's three-year bachelor of design and arts degree.

De Ruiter may start it later. In the meantime she's looking for a job less physical than massage, though she imagines she will carry on massaging in some capacity.

"I'm here to help if people are in pain or have postural issues or trouble sleeping."

Donnelly is one of five students majoring in painting in his degree. He's already planning to be part of next year's Whanganui Artists Open Studios.

De Ruiter wants to get involved in permaculture and organics, and have more time for weaving and quilt making. Both love the Whanganui Musicians' Club, and Donnelly plays the drums.

Their house is two minutes from Castlecliff Beach and The Citadel cafe. They've been invited to a monthly potluck dinner for new Castlecliff residents and have "a ready-made group of friends" through another friend.

De Ruiter said renting in Auckland was "really toxic", and she couldn't afford to buy there. Their present situation is much easier.

"My dad thanks me every week I pay the rent."

She loves Whanganui's old buildings, especially The Ladies Rest in St Hill St. The buildings are still there because the town failed to grow . From her perspective, Whanganui got awesome because it got poor.

She said getting around town to do errands was quick and easy, and people had time to talk.

"It's a city on rural time. I just really enjoy the vibe of people doing stuff and feeling like they can make a difference. It's pretty inspirational," Donnelly said.