Waipa District is proud of its commitment to its heritage. It has a rich history, steeped in Maori tradition and early European settlement and it values the many historical sites that mark its development.
Both Cambridge and Te Awamutu are served by two excellent museums housing the historical artefacts of the district. The two Visitor Information Centres provide Heritage Trail brochures and information on sites of specific interest. A number of excellent texts on the history of the area are also available at the Public Libraries in both Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
The Waipa District Council has been, or is involved in, the following heritage activities:
• Formation of the Waipa Heritage Council.
• Isobel Temple Cottage.
• Kihikihi Police House and Cells.
• Pirongia Historical Visitors Centre.
• Climax Locomotive Preservation.
• Cambridge Town Hall and CBD Upgrade.
• Mia Scott (contributing financially to her visit to New Zealand, to talk about heritage preservation issues).
• Cambridge and Te Awamutu Museums.
• Ongoing work at Lake Ngaroto, Lake Te Ko Utu and Yarndleys Bush.
• The Maungatautari Ecological Island Project.
• Orakau Battle Site - replacement of the signage and the upgrade of the visitor access.
• Heritage Trails (signage / brochures). These include the various towns in the Waipa District plus the development of Motorized Heritage Trails for the region.
• Alexandra East Redoubt.
• Matakitaki Pa (Council has developed management plans for both of these sites which include the purchase of further land as it becomes available at Matakitaki Pa). The road leading to the site, has been renamed “Matakitaki’.
• Trust owned Alexandra Redoubt (help with the supply of water).
• Development of a Heritage Policy and Implementation Strategy.
• Selwyn / Morgan Park (marking the outline of the Mission House).
• Reactivation and Preservation of the Cambridge Town Clock.
• Establishment of Heritage Awards.
• Addition of new Archaeological Sites to the District Plan.
• Maintenance of Te Awamutu Little Theatre (former School).
• Funding of Iwi Management Plan – Hingakaka Battle Site.
• Work on the listing of protected trees throughout the District.
• Fire Protection of Old St Johns & St Paul’s Churches.
• Assistance with identification of pre-1900 Historical Sites.
• Preservation of various water towers.
• Pirongia Playcentre and Library.
• Maintenance of a number of historical District Halls.