Originally known as 'Te Waimatemate' (slow moving
water,) Waimate was born from the meeting of Chief Te Huruhuru
and Michael Studholme (first settler) in 1854. Large tracts of land
were leased to run-holders, and over the latter 1870's seven
sawmills were established in the Waimate Bush, processing pine,
totara, rimu, matai and kahikatea, much of which was sent to the
growing towns of Timaru and Oamaru. Disaster occurred in
November 1878 when a devastating forest fire ranged for eight days,
destroying trees, bush, homes and sawmills. Over the years
regeneration took place and forestry to this day plays a major role
within the Waimate economy. A statue of a 'Bushman' together
with interpretation board has recently been erected on the town's
main street, and a long term community project will develop a
working timber town, similar to that of Shantytown on the West
Coast.
Much of Waimate's history can be viewed in the Historical Museum
(formerly the Waimate Courthouse, 1879-1979). This extensive
range of displays, machinery and outbuildings creates an
understanding of the present Waimate through its past.