The sign, set to one side of a recently-established concrete outline of the early mission building, has been designed and completed by conservationist and exhibit and display designer, Sonia Frimmel, of What’s the Story, Pirongia.
It indicates the location of the Otawhao mission station established in the early years of the 19th century and where in 1841 John Morgan and his wife set up permanent mission headquarters. It included their house, a substantial chapel, and later a school house, class room and dormitory for more than 70 Maori pupils.
The school was closed in 1862 following land disputes between Maori and the government, but the rather dilapidated mission house was rebuilt and an industrial school for young Maori men set up.
It lasted only a couple of years before being taken over and used as headquarters and a hospital for the army until 1867. It was them leased out, and the mission house was used as a vicarage until 1905, when the site ands buildings were sold to the Government. In 1929 the buildings were demolished and the area converted to a camping ground, which remained until 1995.
Now, almost 170 years later, the old mission house site has been relocated and its history recalled through the sign. The project has been initiated by the Te Awamutu Historical Society, is supported by the Waipa Heritage Council, and funded by Waipa District Council.
Click here to download a higher resolution version of the sign (PDF 609K).