Waimate

Waimate District holds the rare distinction of being one of the few places in New Zealand where wallabies have taken up residence.  The wallabies (introduced from Australia) have flourished here and are the largest found in New Zealand.  Known as 'Bennett's Wallabies,' several were released onto the Hunters Hills in 1874 and, over the years, numbers have increased dramatically. These nocturnal marsupials have adapted well to the Waimate environment and can be found in wildlife parks throughout the district.

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.

• Waimate has been home to some famous New Zealanders. Norman Kirk (Prime Minister of New Zealand , 1972-74) was born here and is buried in the town.
• The first New Zealand woman to go into general medical practice did so in Waimate. A statue of Dr Margaret Cruickshank stands in Seddon Square, one of only four statues to women in New Zealand.
• The name of Waimate is derived from the name given to the area by its original inhabitants, the Maori. They called it 'Te Waimatemate,' meaning slow moving water.
• Waimate's region extends from south of the Pareora river in the north to Glenavy in the south and west into the Waitaki Valley.  Population (2006 census) 7206.
• Summer temperate ranges from 15-23 degrees, winter 9-14. Rainfall totals 600mm annually, and sunshine hours 2000 annum.
• Strawberries have been grown in the Waimate district since early the 1880s; today the berry fruit industry remains an important industry in the town.

Waimate's unique landmark 'The White Horse' was erected in the 1960's. Built from concrete block it is a tribute to the Clydesdale Horse and its  contribution to the prosperity of this region. The landmark is 60 feet high and can be accessed by walkway or drive.