#murihiku — Public Fediverse posts

Waiau River - photos of Whitebaiting and the river mouth in decades past, c1980s

Whitebaiting, Waiau River and Waiau Mouth. This is what the whitebaiting scene at the Waiau River looked like in 'the season', many years ago now. This series of images, recently donated to the Community Archive, were used to commemorate the new 2024 Whitebaiting season. The new 2025 season starts today on 1 September. We wish all whitebaiters on our river a safe, successful season, and encourage the environmental protection of these taonga, so future generations can also enjoy whitebaiting as we do.

IMAGES:
Photo 1 - whitebaiting on the Waiau River at the mouth, in days past
Photo 2 - some of the whitebaiting caravans parked up at Waiau River
Photos 3 - scenes of the Waiau River at the Waiau mouth in days past
Photographs by Ron McDowell & kindly donated to CWA. Licensed CC BY

WHITEBAIT:
The Department of Conservation or DOC, summarises what we know as 'Whitebait, as being, "the juveniles of six species of fish, five of which are migratory galaxiids: inanga, banded kōkopu, giant kōkopu, kōaro and shortjaw kōkopu. The sixth species is common smelt." Doc further inform us that the whitebait caught locally from the Waiau River, are predominantly inanga. These are "found in a wide variety of habitats, from tiny creeks, to coastal rivers, lowland streams, lakes and wetlands." Inanga are small and most only survive a year or so, reaching about 100mm in length – the longest one found on record, was 190 mm.

"Because they are poor climbers, inanga are usually found near the coast. Their silvery belly and somewhat forked tail make them easy to distinguish. Found in places as far flung as Chile, Australia and Argentina, inanga are the most widely distributed native freshwater fish in the world," records DOC. They are also Aotearoa New Zealand’s most commonly caught species of whitebait. But as well as this, their population is in decline. Almost all of the Whitebait species are either in decline or threatened, hence new restrictions on catching them. If we want future generations to be able to carry on our tradition of whitebaiting, we need to preserve this previous taonga/treasure.

Whitebaiting is a favourite cherished sport and time-honoured tradition in many parts of the country, and especially at the Waiau River Mouth. Local's have whitebaited here for generations, and can tell tales of times when the beach stretched all the way along Bluecliffs, with road access and parking. In recent times the Waiau Mouth has eroded into the sea, taking a lot of land with it, forever changing the landscape of the river mouth and whitebaiting.

But the landscape at the Waiau Mouth is not the only thing that has now changed. To help protect these taonga or treasured fish species and their habitats for the future, there is now a shorter season and more set rules. For 2024 on the Waiau River in Western Murihiku Southland, the season ran between September 1 & October 30, with whitebaiting only permitted on those days between 5am to 8pm, or 6am to 9pm during daylight savings. The 2025 season is also running from 1 Sept to 30 October.

Now, each person can only have one whitebait net operating at any given time, and this must be attended at all times. The mouth of the net is not allowed to be wider than 4.5 meters. Also, you cannot fish by structures like bridges, culverts, even river junctions. This is to protect these vulnerable fish stocks. If everyone follows the rules, we can all help maintain a healthy river ecosystem, and ensure that whitebait can continue to thrive for the future.

The new regulations which have recently been put into place, are being enforced in a joint effort between Police and DoC. All whitebaiters were notified and encouraged to educate themselves on the new rules and regulations ahead of the 2024 season. It was pleasing to read in a news article from this year, that a patrol of the Waiau River in an effort to ensure adherence to the new regulations, undertaken in late August 2024, there were no reported violations of early whitebaiting. However, there were some later violations of the rules which restricts nighttime whitebaiting.

WAIAU TRUST WHITEBAIT HABITAT:
This project has a focus on the creation of rearing habitats for whitebait, which in turn, helps a diverse range of wildlife which reside or migrate to this coastal environment. According to the Waiau Trust's website (see more in Place Notes), "Adult fish spawn in vegetation at the margins of tidal wetlands and streams, during spring tides in the months of February to April. The fertilised eggs...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/55974925/source

#Murihiku #Southland #Hunting #GreatOutdoors #WaiauRiverMouth #TeWaewaeBay #WildFoodGathering #SouthWestCoast #WaiauDistrict #WaiauRiver #Whitebaiting #Waiau #WaiauMouth #Fishing #Whitebait #Erosion #CoastalErosion #WhitebaitHabitat #Galaxiids #Inanga #WaiauTrust #SouthCoast

Waiau River - photos of Whitebaiting and the river mouth in decades past, c1980s

Whitebaiting, Waiau River and Waiau Mouth. This is what the whitebaiting scene at the Waiau River looked like in 'the season', many years ago now. This series of images, recently donated to the Community Archive, were used to commemorate the new 2024 Whitebaiting season. The new 2025 season starts today on 1 September. We wish all whitebaiters on our river a safe, successful season, and encourage the environmental protection of these taonga, so future generations can also enjoy whitebaiting as we do.

IMAGES:
Photo 1 - whitebaiting on the Waiau River at the mouth, in days past
Photo 2 - some of the whitebaiting caravans parked up at Waiau River
Photos 3 - scenes of the Waiau River at the Waiau mouth in days past
Photographs by Ron McDowell & kindly donated to CWA. Licensed CC BY

WHITEBAIT:
The Department of Conservation or DOC, summarises what we know as 'Whitebait, as being, "the juveniles of six species of fish, five of which are migratory galaxiids: inanga, banded kōkopu, giant kōkopu, kōaro and shortjaw kōkopu. The sixth species is common smelt." Doc further inform us that the whitebait caught locally from the Waiau River, are predominantly inanga. These are "found in a wide variety of habitats, from tiny creeks, to coastal rivers, lowland streams, lakes and wetlands." Inanga are small and most only survive a year or so, reaching about 100mm in length – the longest one found on record, was 190 mm.

"Because they are poor climbers, inanga are usually found near the coast. Their silvery belly and somewhat forked tail make them easy to distinguish. Found in places as far flung as Chile, Australia and Argentina, inanga are the most widely distributed native freshwater fish in the world," records DOC. They are also Aotearoa New Zealand’s most commonly caught species of whitebait. But as well as this, their population is in decline. Almost all of the Whitebait species are either in decline or threatened, hence new restrictions on catching them. If we want future generations to be able to carry on our tradition of whitebaiting, we need to preserve this previous taonga/treasure.

Whitebaiting is a favourite cherished sport and time-honoured tradition in many parts of the country, and especially at the Waiau River Mouth. Local's have whitebaited here for generations, and can tell tales of times when the beach stretched all the way along Bluecliffs, with road access and parking. In recent times the Waiau Mouth has eroded into the sea, taking a lot of land with it, forever changing the landscape of the river mouth and whitebaiting.

But the landscape at the Waiau Mouth is not the only thing that has now changed. To help protect these taonga or treasured fish species and their habitats for the future, there is now a shorter season and more set rules. For 2024 on the Waiau River in Western Murihiku Southland, the season ran between September 1 & October 30, with whitebaiting only permitted on those days between 5am to 8pm, or 6am to 9pm during daylight savings. The 2025 season is also running from 1 Sept to 30 October.

Now, each person can only have one whitebait net operating at any given time, and this must be attended at all times. The mouth of the net is not allowed to be wider than 4.5 meters. Also, you cannot fish by structures like bridges, culverts, even river junctions. This is to protect these vulnerable fish stocks. If everyone follows the rules, we can all help maintain a healthy river ecosystem, and ensure that whitebait can continue to thrive for the future.

The new regulations which have recently been put into place, are being enforced in a joint effort between Police and DoC. All whitebaiters were notified and encouraged to educate themselves on the new rules and regulations ahead of the 2024 season. It was pleasing to read in a news article from this year, that a patrol of the Waiau River in an effort to ensure adherence to the new regulations, undertaken in late August 2024, there were no reported violations of early whitebaiting. However, there were some later violations of the rules which restricts nighttime whitebaiting.

WAIAU TRUST WHITEBAIT HABITAT:
This project has a focus on the creation of rearing habitats for whitebait, which in turn, helps a diverse range of wildlife which reside or migrate to this coastal environment. According to the Waiau Trust's website (see more in Place Notes), "Adult fish spawn in vegetation at the margins of tidal wetlands and streams, during spring tides in the months of February to April. The fertilised eggs...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/55974925/source

#Murihiku #Southland #Hunting #GreatOutdoors #WaiauRiverMouth #TeWaewaeBay #WildFoodGathering #SouthWestCoast #WaiauDistrict #WaiauRiver #Whitebaiting #Waiau #WaiauMouth #Fishing #Whitebait #Erosion #CoastalErosion #WhitebaitHabitat #Galaxiids #Inanga #WaiauTrust #SouthCoast

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki, Business & Industry - Orepuki Railway & Station Buildings, early 1900s

Orepuki or Aropaki, Business & Industry - Orepuki Railway and Station:

Black and White image of the Orepuki Railway, Post Office and Goods Shed, along with passengers who appear to be disembarking the train at this once upon a time major outpost in the Longwoods District. A group of unidentified shops (can anyone help with this?) sits to the far left of the photo, and it is likely this photograph was taken from the Water Tower. On the far right at the back is the now Orepuki Cafe building. The scene shown here is thought to be from the early 1900's. This image is in the Public Domain and was donated by a descendant of the original owner of the photo, the Brownridge Family.

OREPUKI RAILWAY & STATION MILESTONES:
Orepuki line and 'Fourth Class' Station opened 5th May 1885

Next major milestone in the railways branch line to Tūātapere, was opened on 23rd September 1909

FIRE… in 1941 the Station was badly damaged, rebuilt and upgraded

31 March 1942 - Station changed from officered to flag station (caretaker)

On 24 November 1951, Railways Department attempted to re-establish the station as Aropaki, the original name for Orepuki, but locals refused this

1954 - all passenger services ceased altogether through Orepuki (Tūātapere Branch line)

1960 - with the Post Office moving to its new site (now closed), the station was sold for dismantling. The Fire Brigade asked to retain the office portion

31 July 1976 line from Riverton to Orepuki & Tūātapere was closed down

The Water Tower was removed from the original site & rebuilt where it sits today (2025), it is in the process of once again being restored, thanks to funds from the Tūātapere Te Waewae Community Board being granted.

OREPUKI RAILWAY EARLIER HISTORY
According to 'From Goldfield to Fields of Green', by Marjory Smith, on 13 May 1872 it was confirmed "the construction of a tramway or light railway, from Riverton to the Orepuki Goldfield, would open up a large area of good agricultural land, and render the same available for settlement," forthwith.

But not everyone was happy, gold miners who relied on the land being available for diggings, saw the incoming influx of settlers and farmers as a threat to their livelihoods, as the land they were working would need to be given up to them. The 16 miles between the two settlements was set aside for a railway and sections of land on each side of this, was procured for the railway, before the workings commenced. The Southland Waste Lands Act of 1865 allowed for this. There was great excitement at the coming of the railway to what was then pretty much the wild west of Murihiku Southland.

There had been many claims of necessity made by those with interests in agriculture, shopkeeping, timber mills and even some championing the goldfields and the as yet untapped coal mining were clamouring for the railway to be constructed. Some of their claims were that this area of the southwest could easily provide all the timber needed for the whole of the Otago region, if only if could be easily transported after extraction, claims were made that there was 40-50,000 pounds of timber in the bush there. It was also claimed, the area was one of the richest goldfields in the whole country, and easily able to support 3-4,000 workers! Then the land itself, with a claim of there being 8-10,000 acres of land between The Waiau and Orepuki which could be used immediately for agricultural purposes. It was further claimed that the land would double in price when the rail arrived.

By 1873 it was reported that the railway workings had been put through the bush 2 1/2 miles from the Jacobs River Bridge at this point, so it is thought that construction had begun immediately upon the contract being secured. By 1874, there is news that part of the Orepuki Railway contract was awarded to a very familiar name in Railway history of the South Island, David Proudfoot. This part of the project was at a cost of 28,397 pounds.

The railway works proceeded every slowly onwards, through back-breaking bush and sinking swamps, creating many challenges for the builders. Along the way various other stations were opened up as the railway reached those settlements. Progress continued northwards and eventually by 1885, the line arrived at Orepuki.

On the 5th May 1885 the Orepuki section of the line was officially opened. It is noted that the Railway buildings at Orepuki included a goods shed and engine shed, a loading bank, crane and water tank. The wood and iron station was built with entrances which separated out the railway and post departments, there was a waiting room for the ladies, a public ticket lobby, a workroom for th...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/59743468/source

#OrepukiOrAropaki #WesternSouthland #Murihiku #Business #Railways #RailwayBuildings #Railroads #Mail #RailwayStations #GarfieldAnd #Black

Orepuki or Aropaki, Business & Industry - Orepuki Railway & Station Buildings, early 1900s

Orepuki or Aropaki, Business & Industry - Orepuki Railway and Station:

Black and White image of the Orepuki Railway, Post Office and Goods Shed, along with passengers who appear to be disembarking the train at this once upon a time major outpost in the Longwoods District. A group of unidentified shops (can anyone help with this?) sits to the far left of the photo, and it is likely this photograph was taken from the Water Tower. On the far right at the back is the now Orepuki Cafe building. The scene shown here is thought to be from the early 1900's. This image is in the Public Domain and was donated by a descendant of the original owner of the photo, the Brownridge Family.

OREPUKI RAILWAY & STATION MILESTONES:
Orepuki line and 'Fourth Class' Station opened 5th May 1885

Next major milestone in the railways branch line to Tūātapere, was opened on 23rd September 1909

FIRE… in 1941 the Station was badly damaged, rebuilt and upgraded

31 March 1942 - Station changed from officered to flag station (caretaker)

On 24 November 1951, Railways Department attempted to re-establish the station as Aropaki, the original name for Orepuki, but locals refused this

1954 - all passenger services ceased altogether through Orepuki (Tūātapere Branch line)

1960 - with the Post Office moving to its new site (now closed), the station was sold for dismantling. The Fire Brigade asked to retain the office portion

31 July 1976 line from Riverton to Orepuki & Tūātapere was closed down

The Water Tower was removed from the original site & rebuilt where it sits today (2025), it is in the process of once again being restored, thanks to funds from the Tūātapere Te Waewae Community Board being granted.

OREPUKI RAILWAY EARLIER HISTORY
According to 'From Goldfield to Fields of Green', by Marjory Smith, on 13 May 1872 it was confirmed "the construction of a tramway or light railway, from Riverton to the Orepuki Goldfield, would open up a large area of good agricultural land, and render the same available for settlement," forthwith.

But not everyone was happy, gold miners who relied on the land being available for diggings, saw the incoming influx of settlers and farmers as a threat to their livelihoods, as the land they were working would need to be given up to them. The 16 miles between the two settlements was set aside for a railway and sections of land on each side of this, was procured for the railway, before the workings commenced. The Southland Waste Lands Act of 1865 allowed for this. There was great excitement at the coming of the railway to what was then pretty much the wild west of Murihiku Southland.

There had been many claims of necessity made by those with interests in agriculture, shopkeeping, timber mills and even some championing the goldfields and the as yet untapped coal mining were clamouring for the railway to be constructed. Some of their claims were that this area of the southwest could easily provide all the timber needed for the whole of the Otago region, if only if could be easily transported after extraction, claims were made that there was 40-50,000 pounds of timber in the bush there. It was also claimed, the area was one of the richest goldfields in the whole country, and easily able to support 3-4,000 workers! Then the land itself, with a claim of there being 8-10,000 acres of land between The Waiau and Orepuki which could be used immediately for agricultural purposes. It was further claimed that the land would double in price when the rail arrived.

By 1873 it was reported that the railway workings had been put through the bush 2 1/2 miles from the Jacobs River Bridge at this point, so it is thought that construction had begun immediately upon the contract being secured. By 1874, there is news that part of the Orepuki Railway contract was awarded to a very familiar name in Railway history of the South Island, David Proudfoot. This part of the project was at a cost of 28,397 pounds.

The railway works proceeded every slowly onwards, through back-breaking bush and sinking swamps, creating many challenges for the builders. Along the way various other stations were opened up as the railway reached those settlements. Progress continued northwards and eventually by 1885, the line arrived at Orepuki.

On the 5th May 1885 the Orepuki section of the line was officially opened. It is noted that the Railway buildings at Orepuki included a goods shed and engine shed, a loading bank, crane and water tank. The wood and iron station was built with entrances which separated out the railway and post departments, there was a waiting room for the ladies, a public ticket lobby, a workroom for th...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/59743468/source

#OrepukiOrAropaki #WesternSouthland #Murihiku #Business #Railways #RailwayBuildings #Railroads #Mail #RailwayStations #GarfieldAnd #Black

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki History - Map & Index Key of the town's properties (1930s)

Orepuki or Aropaki History - Map and Index Key of the town's properties:

Black and White images, with a map and list of names (index) of Families & Businesses in the Orpepuki Residential Area, 1936-1939. The map was compiled in 1994 by the following ex-residents:
- Ferguson, John of Christchurch
- Fraser, Evan of Auckland
- Heath, Lloyd of Christchurch
- McQueen Alma (Ferguson) of Taupo
- Smith, Stan of Invercargill

NOTE: High Resolution Copies of this map are available by contacting us via this website as a comment, or email: [email protected]

There was also a list of businesses written by an early resident, which were there from when the Railway opened, written from their memory, entitled,
"Orepuki as I knew it" (but no author recorded), the list states there were:

3 Hotels:
- D'Arcy's Railway Hotel
- De Clifford's Masonic Hotel
- Wilson's Family Hotel

3 General Stores:
- Meredith's
- Garden's
- another of unknown name

2 Drapery Shops:
- Adamson's
- McGruer & Taylor

1 Millinery and Knick Knacks:
- Moncur & Stevenson

1 Newspaper, twice weekly:
- Orepuki Advocate

1 Chemist:
- Hutchinson

2 Butchers:
- McPherson
- Tielle

1 Cycle Shop:
- Shields

1 Boot/Shoe Shop:
- Cross

1 Bakery:
- Pope

1 Toys/Stationery/Jewellery Shop:
- Booth

1 Tearooms:
- Booth

2 Blacksmiths:
- Batchelor
- another of unknown name

3 Churches:
- Roman Catholic
- Presbyterian
- Anglican

1 Cheese Factory:

1 Sweets/Fruit Shop:
- Mrs Murray

1 Men's Hairdresser (open Evenings and Saturdays)
- Mr Booth

1 Bank Agency (open certain hours and days)
- National Bank Agency, operated out of Riverton Branch

We were very privileged to have Marjory Smith, author of 'From Goldfield to Fields of Green', deliver a wonderful donation of materials from her book to us. This consisted of the above map and key, along with many other maps of the earlier Orepuki town site, followed by Hirstfield, then Garfield and also maps of the surrounding areas of the district as well. If you are researching the area, be sure to call in to our Heritage Hub to see these, or contact us.

UPCOMING HISTORY:
We would also like to note here, that for our 3rd birthday of the Heritage Hub in October 2026, we are undertaking to create a display of early Orepuki - all 3 townships, and their varied histories, so if you can help with this by donating material, information, photos or other ephemera items, or most importantly if you can donate some time to voluntarily helping us put this display together, we would be very grateful. We are expecting this to be a permanent fixture and we will need people who can research, identify people and places there.

We would also like to thank and acknowledge Marjory A Smith, author of 'From Goldfield to Fields of Green', the Orepuki Story, which she kindly donated to our history library. The items shown here are also in that.

Hopefully this entry will be added to as more information comes to hand. If you or anyone you know has any more information or photos to share or accounts of the various Orepuki townships during the years, please do share this with us in the comments section. You can do this by making a comment in the space provided under the image page. Or you can make contact with us as per the archive front page.

Note: these entries are compiled with information provided by donors with the records, from locally reported news, from national and occasionally international reports in publications, from personal records made by the people themselves - such as their electoral enrollments, wills, war records etc., also from government and council held records such as births, deaths and marriages or cemetery information, and lastly, from community memories, such as those passed on by friends, family and contemporaries. It is not always possible to verify memories from others, so please let us know if you believe we have any incorrect information. If you believe that any public or personal record information quoted is wrong, if you can provide proof of any alternative fact to us in a document showing evidence of the correct details, that would be very helpful to us. Thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/61452574/source

#OrepukiOrAropaki #WesternSouthland #Murihiku #Business #GarfieldAnd #Black

Orepuki or Aropaki History - Map & Index Key of the town's properties (1930s)

Orepuki or Aropaki History - Map and Index Key of the town's properties:

Black and White images, with a map and list of names (index) of Families & Businesses in the Orpepuki Residential Area, 1936-1939. The map was compiled in 1994 by the following ex-residents:
- Ferguson, John of Christchurch
- Fraser, Evan of Auckland
- Heath, Lloyd of Christchurch
- McQueen Alma (Ferguson) of Taupo
- Smith, Stan of Invercargill

NOTE: High Resolution Copies of this map are available by contacting us via this website as a comment, or email: [email protected]

There was also a list of businesses written by an early resident, which were there from when the Railway opened, written from their memory, entitled,
"Orepuki as I knew it" (but no author recorded), the list states there were:

3 Hotels:
- D'Arcy's Railway Hotel
- De Clifford's Masonic Hotel
- Wilson's Family Hotel

3 General Stores:
- Meredith's
- Garden's
- another of unknown name

2 Drapery Shops:
- Adamson's
- McGruer & Taylor

1 Millinery and Knick Knacks:
- Moncur & Stevenson

1 Newspaper, twice weekly:
- Orepuki Advocate

1 Chemist:
- Hutchinson

2 Butchers:
- McPherson
- Tielle

1 Cycle Shop:
- Shields

1 Boot/Shoe Shop:
- Cross

1 Bakery:
- Pope

1 Toys/Stationery/Jewellery Shop:
- Booth

1 Tearooms:
- Booth

2 Blacksmiths:
- Batchelor
- another of unknown name

3 Churches:
- Roman Catholic
- Presbyterian
- Anglican

1 Cheese Factory:

1 Sweets/Fruit Shop:
- Mrs Murray

1 Men's Hairdresser (open Evenings and Saturdays)
- Mr Booth

1 Bank Agency (open certain hours and days)
- National Bank Agency, operated out of Riverton Branch

We were very privileged to have Marjory Smith, author of 'From Goldfield to Fields of Green', deliver a wonderful donation of materials from her book to us. This consisted of the above map and key, along with many other maps of the earlier Orepuki town site, followed by Hirstfield, then Garfield and also maps of the surrounding areas of the district as well. If you are researching the area, be sure to call in to our Heritage Hub to see these, or contact us.

UPCOMING HISTORY:
We would also like to note here, that for our 3rd birthday of the Heritage Hub in October 2026, we are undertaking to create a display of early Orepuki - all 3 townships, and their varied histories, so if you can help with this by donating material, information, photos or other ephemera items, or most importantly if you can donate some time to voluntarily helping us put this display together, we would be very grateful. We are expecting this to be a permanent fixture and we will need people who can research, identify people and places there.

We would also like to thank and acknowledge Marjory A Smith, author of 'From Goldfield to Fields of Green', the Orepuki Story, which she kindly donated to our history library. The items shown here are also in that.

Hopefully this entry will be added to as more information comes to hand. If you or anyone you know has any more information or photos to share or accounts of the various Orepuki townships during the years, please do share this with us in the comments section. You can do this by making a comment in the space provided under the image page. Or you can make contact with us as per the archive front page.

Note: these entries are compiled with information provided by donors with the records, from locally reported news, from national and occasionally international reports in publications, from personal records made by the people themselves - such as their electoral enrollments, wills, war records etc., also from government and council held records such as births, deaths and marriages or cemetery information, and lastly, from community memories, such as those passed on by friends, family and contemporaries. It is not always possible to verify memories from others, so please let us know if you believe we have any incorrect information. If you believe that any public or personal record information quoted is wrong, if you can provide proof of any alternative fact to us in a document showing evidence of the correct details, that would be very helpful to us. Thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/61452574/source

#OrepukiOrAropaki #WesternSouthland #Murihiku #Business #GarfieldAnd #Black

Yesterday I got to go to #TeHikoiMuseum which is one of the more detailed sources that @ExhibitExplorer uses. I highly recommend it.

It tells the story of the history of the area, from both a Māori and Pakeha perspective, then a combination.

#Riverton #Aparima #Southland #Murihiku #AotearoaNZ

Yesterday I got to go to #TeHikoiMuseum which is one of the more detailed sources that @ExhibitExplorer uses. I highly recommend it.

It tells the story of the history of the area, from both a Māori and Pakeha perspective, then a combination.

#Riverton #Aparima #Southland #Murihiku #AotearoaNZ

If you look at this photo from the 1980's and see the same scene today, you could be forgiven for thinking that not much changes on the Main Road through Tūātapere... but if you track the history of the buildings and various owners and businesses, you may be surprised to learn there have been quite a few over the many years:

#Tūātapere #WaiauDistrict
#Murihiku #Southland #Aotearoa #NZRuralLife
#IdyllicVillageScenes
#CentralAndWesternArchive

https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1645607/tuatapere-history-old-main-road-shops-from-bridge-to-ferry-road-corner

If you look at this photo from the 1980's and see the same scene today, you could be forgiven for thinking that not much changes on the Main Road through Tūātapere... but if you track the history of the buildings and various owners and businesses, you may be surprised to learn there have been quite a few over the many years:

#Tūātapere #WaiauDistrict
#Murihiku #Southland #Aotearoa #NZRuralLife
#IdyllicVillageScenes
#CentralAndWesternArchive

https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1645607/tuatapere-history-old-main-road-shops-from-bridge-to-ferry-road-corner

#OTD Looking back on today to 20 January 1915.

This day the rebuilt Yellow Bluff Bridge at Ōtautau opened, after it was washed out in previous floods and a temporary one was built.

Attached are images from NIWA that show the flooding from 1913 and the issues involved with that. The attached photo of the new bridge that was opened this day in 1915 was kindly donated to the Between River & Stream book project, by Ōtautau local Peter Gutsell.
#Ōtautau #History #Murihiku

#OTD Looking back on today to 20 January 1915.

This day the rebuilt Yellow Bluff Bridge at Ōtautau opened, after it was washed out in previous floods and a temporary one was built.

Attached are images from NIWA that show the flooding from 1913 and the issues involved with that. The attached photo of the new bridge that was opened this day in 1915 was kindly donated to the Between River & Stream book project, by Ōtautau local Peter Gutsell.
#Ōtautau #History #Murihiku

An article on the history of the forestry industry in #Tūātapere, at the end of #Highway99 from last century... Gosh it sounds a long time ago when you put it like that! Fascinating insights into rural community life and stubborn resilience. This archive was gifted with special thanks to the #HumpTrackTrust. Read full article .pdf here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1610322
#SharingCommunityHeritage
#HistoryBelongsToEveryone
#WaiauDistrict
#Murihiku
#Southland
#Forestry
#Logging
#RuralCommunities
#NZRuralLife

An article on the history of the forestry industry in #Tūātapere, at the end of #Highway99 from last century... Gosh it sounds a long time ago when you put it like that! Fascinating insights into rural community life and stubborn resilience. This archive was gifted with special thanks to the #HumpTrackTrust. Read full article .pdf here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1610322
#SharingCommunityHeritage
#HistoryBelongsToEveryone
#WaiauDistrict
#Murihiku
#Southland
#Forestry
#Logging
#RuralCommunities
#NZRuralLife

The word for Day 30 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #WhyMuseum30 #HeAhaWhareTaonga30

Museum30 is a great way for GLAM's to showcase all our collections online. See more of the local history from our district in the Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive on this link: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/central-western-murihiku-southland-archive

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Waiau #RuralNZ
#CommunityCollaboration #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 30 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #WhyMuseum30 #HeAhaWhareTaonga30

Museum30 is a great way for GLAM's to showcase all our collections online. See more of the local history from our district in the Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive on this link: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/central-western-murihiku-southland-archive

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Waiau #RuralNZ
#CommunityCollaboration #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 29 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Storytelling #KōreroPaki

Charlie Moffat did a bit of storytelling or kōrero paki about this house... See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1602393/eastern-bush-district-moffat-family-history

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #FlaxMilling
#Waiau #MoffatFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #War
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 29 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Storytelling #KōreroPaki

Charlie Moffat did a bit of storytelling or kōrero paki about this house... See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1602393/eastern-bush-district-moffat-family-history

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #FlaxMilling
#Waiau #MoffatFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #War
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 28 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Walls #Pātū

If the walls of the Eastern Bush Hotel could talk, they would sure tell some stories! See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1564613/eastern-bush-hotel-store-post-office-mouat-ownership-1905-2004

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #AccommodationHouse
#Waiau #MouatFamily
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Hotel
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 28 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Walls #Pātū

If the walls of the Eastern Bush Hotel could talk, they would sure tell some stories! See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1564613/eastern-bush-hotel-store-post-office-mouat-ownership-1905-2004

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #AccommodationHouse
#Waiau #MouatFamily
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Hotel
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 27 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Plan #Hoahoa

There must have been a plan or hoahoa for the builders of this Eastern Bush Church from 1914. See more about this building in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1564914/eastern-bush-district-presbyterian-church-history-foundation-stone-laying

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #EasternBush
#Waiau #Presbyterian #Churches
#CommunityCollaboration #FarmingFamilies #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 27 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Plan #Hoahoa

There must have been a plan or hoahoa for the builders of this Eastern Bush Church from 1914. See more about this building in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1564914/eastern-bush-district-presbyterian-church-history-foundation-stone-laying

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #EasternBush
#Waiau #Presbyterian #Churches
#CommunityCollaboration #FarmingFamilies #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 26 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Colleague #Hoamahi

A couple of colleagues or hoamahi of the Clifden Limeworks with their boiler. See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1597951/clifden-district-business-industry-clifden-lime-works-company-ltd

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Limeworks
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 26 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Colleague #Hoamahi

A couple of colleagues or hoamahi of the Clifden Limeworks with their boiler. See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1597951/clifden-district-business-industry-clifden-lime-works-company-ltd

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Limeworks
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 26 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Colleague #Hoamahi

A couple of colleagues or hoamahi of the Clifden Limeworks with their boiler. See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1597951/clifden-district-business-industry-clifden-lime-works-company-ltd

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Limeworks
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 26 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Colleague #Hoamahi

A couple of colleagues or hoamahi of the Clifden Limeworks with their boiler. See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1597951/clifden-district-business-industry-clifden-lime-works-company-ltd

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Limeworks
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 26 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Colleague #Hoamahi

A couple of colleagues or hoamahi of the Clifden Limeworks with their boiler. See more in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1597951/clifden-district-business-industry-clifden-lime-works-company-ltd

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Limeworks
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 25 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Candle #kānara

This early home of Jim & Olive Laurie would have run on candles or kānara. See more on them in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1600711/orawia-district-settlers-laurie-family

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Forestry
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 25 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Candle #kānara

This early home of Jim & Olive Laurie would have run on candles or kānara. See more on them in our Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1600711/orawia-district-settlers-laurie-family

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Forestry
#Waiau #LaurieFamily #Ōrawia
#CommunityCollaboration #Homes #Whare #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #Clifden
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 24 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #OnScreen #Kiriata

This image was taken from an on screen kiriata. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this building and it's origin's: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1615093/otautau-district-public-entities-old-wallace-county-council-building

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Governance
#MedicalCentres #BenefitLodges
#CommunityCollaboration #Council #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #SDC
#CentralAndWesternArchive #WCC

The word for Day 24 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #OnScreen #Kiriata

This image was taken from an on screen kiriata. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this building and it's origin's: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1615093/otautau-district-public-entities-old-wallace-county-council-building

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Governance
#MedicalCentres #BenefitLodges
#CommunityCollaboration #Council #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory #SDC
#CentralAndWesternArchive #WCC

The word for Day 23 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Collage #ToiPiripiri

This collage or toi piripiri is of the Central Garage in Ōtautau. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this business and it's origin's: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1614439/otautau-township-businesses-central-garage

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Vehicles
#MotorGarages #GeneralStores
#CommunityCollaboration #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 23 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Collage #ToiPiripiri

This collage or toi piripiri is of the Central Garage in Ōtautau. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this business and it's origin's: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1614439/otautau-township-businesses-central-garage

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming #Vehicles
#MotorGarages #GeneralStores
#CommunityCollaboration #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 22 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Orange #Pākākā

The diggers in this group of photos are orange or pākākā coloured. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this machinery and this job, here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1565822/mararoa-river-willow-clearance

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres #Mararoa
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 22 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Orange #Pākākā

The diggers in this group of photos are orange or pākākā coloured. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this machinery and this job, here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1565822/mararoa-river-willow-clearance

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres #Mararoa
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #RuralNZ #AgricultureHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 21 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #View #Tirohanga

The view or tirohanga of the landscape surrounding the removal of the Eastern Bush hall is spectacular. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1565760/eastern-bush-district-old-hall

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #Ōrawia #RuralNZ #AgHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 21 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #View #Tirohanga

The view or tirohanga of the landscape surrounding the removal of the Eastern Bush hall is spectacular. See our Central and Western Districts Archive for more information on this here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1565760/eastern-bush-district-old-hall

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #Ōrawia #RuralNZ #AgHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 20 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Bookshelves #PaePukapuka

Two of the bookshelves or pae pukapuka of our new community archive project for the Central and Western Districts of Murihiku Southland in Aotearoa NZ. To view the archive see: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/central-western-murihiku-southland-archive

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #Ōrawia #RuralNZ #AgHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 20 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Bookshelves #PaePukapuka

Two of the bookshelves or pae pukapuka of our new community archive project for the Central and Western Districts of Murihiku Southland in Aotearoa NZ. To view the archive see: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/central-western-murihiku-southland-archive

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #Ōrawia #RuralNZ #AgHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

#PōMārie #NZTwits #Aotearoadons Well we finally got the new to us old 2nd hand bike going after it broke down on picking it up... Now we seem to have lost the front guard on the road! So going back to look for it. Sigh. Great riding day tho & good fuel economy, cheap freedom traveling #Murihiku #motorbike #BMW #AfternoonRiding

The word for Day 19 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Location #Wāhi

The location or wāhi covered by our new community archive project is the Central and Western Districts of Murihiku Southland in Aotearoa NZ. See the entries we have uploaded so far here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/central-western-murihiku-southland-archive

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #Ōrawia #RuralNZ #AgHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 19 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Location #Wāhi

The location or wāhi covered by our new community archive project is the Central and Western Districts of Murihiku Southland in Aotearoa NZ. See the entries we have uploaded so far here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/central-western-murihiku-southland-archive

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #GLAM #Clifden #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration #Ōrawia #RuralNZ #AgHistory
#CentralAndWesternArchive

The word for Day 18 in English then Māori of #Museum30 #Reign #Kīngitanga

It was during the reign of Kīngitanga George V that the call was made to men of Aotearoa NZ to serve in WW1, for "King & Country". One of these men was a local lad Harry Moffat... Read more about him here: https://ehive.com/collections/202139/objects/1600951/orawia-scotts-gap-district-settlers-moffat-family-ww1-memorial-entry

#History #Heritage #Aotearoa #NZ #NZTwits #GLAM #Museums #Archives #digipres
#EasternBush #Waiau #Ōtautau #Murihiku #Southland #Farming
#CommunityCollaboration
#CentralAndWesternArchive