Waipā history
To know where we're going, we've got to know where we've come from...
Learn about the rich history of the Waipā district, including the first international rowing regatta held at Lake Karāpiro in 1952, Rewi Maniapoto's battles for the Kīngitanga movement in the 1860s, and the restoration of our peat lake wetlands' unique ecosystem.
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A special place of worship
Pukeatua's War Memorial Church was established in 1955 as a unique tribute to local soldiers.
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Beginnings of a dairy giant
A butter factory built in Hautapu in 1885 eventually lead to NZ's largest co-operative, Fonterra.
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Booming in the 1950s
A surge of post-war prosperity and farming productivity resulted in growth for the Waipā district.
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Bridging the Waikato River
Cambridge's first bridge was swept downstream to Ngāruawāhia during a storm in November 1874.
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By river to the Waipā
In the 1880s the Waipā river was busy with riverboats, barges, and special summer picnic voyages.
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Deadly flu chokes district
1918's influenza epidemic killed dozens of people in Waipā and caused serious illness for many more.
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Empire Games rowing regatta
More than 20,000 spectators attended the first international regatta held at Lake Karāpiro in 1950.
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Fresh air, a cure for TB
In 1902 Maungakawa Hill became the location of NZ's first open-air tuberculosis sanatorium.
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Giant sheep fairs at Ōhaupō
From 1876, tens of thousands of sheep travelled the Main Trunk Line to be auctioned at Ōhaupō.
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Pā of Lake Ngāroto
Lake Ngāroto is the largest of Waipā's peat lakes and once was home to many Māori settlements.
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Peat lakes: special ecosystems
Collectively the biggest wetlands area in the country, Waipā's peat lakes are unique and essential.
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Propaganda wars
Used to print a pro-Kīngitanga newspaper, this press was a gift from Archduke Franz Josef.
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Reverend John Morgan
John Morgan played a key role in the global trade of Te Awamutu-grown flour.
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Schooling begins
Formal education in the area dates back to 1839, when a school was established for Māori children.
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Secret fuel bunker
During WWII, an aviation fuel depot was secretly built at Lake Te Koo Utu.
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Snaring birds
The district's vast forests provided an ample resource for traditional Māori bird harvesters.
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Te Awamutu's first newspaper
The first edition of The Waipa Post was published on 18 April 1911, filled with local news and ads.
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The eel harvest
When the Matariki stars appeared in the east, it was time to prepare for the eel harvest.
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The great Waipā ball
More than 100 well-dressed guests attended the 1876 ball held at the new public hall in Pirongia.
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"We will fight on for ever and ever!"
The great warrior chief, Rewi Maniapoto, was a prominent supporter of the Māori King movement.
