Waihinga Anniversary

Almost a decade before Martinborough was even glint in John Martin’s eye there was already a European settlement here.  It included a blacksmith, a post office, a Presyterian church, 70 sections and a road directly linking it to the ferry on the Ruamahanga.   Its name, Waihinga, lives on in the new community Centre but its location may be a mystery to many people.  That’s because it was eventually engulfed by it’s new neighbour, Martinborough. 

Its southern boundary was Ferry Road and Jellicoe Street (then called Lower Valley Road) ran along the eastern side.   The other two sides were bordered by Huangarua Station and Waihinga Farm.  Quite a few of the original houses are still there, creating a living link with the past. 

It’s 150 years in October since the first Waihinga sections were sold and there are plans to acknowledge this anniversary and give Waihinga the recognition it deserves as the original European settlement in the area.  Maori communities of course long pre-dated this development and their support ensured those early settlers were able to establish themselves successfully.

  The museum is planning an exhibition of stories, photos and documents from that period.  We hope there are some treasures out there that will enrich the rather sparse collection we currently have.  So, if you have anything relevant tucked away that you would be willing to loan for this please contact either Mate Higginson 306 9745 or Chris Cassels 306 8286.