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Waiuta
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Gold was discovered
at Waiuta in 1905 and within a few years a new town, home to several hundred
people, had been created. Unlike many other Coast gold towns, Waiuta did not
appear and disappear over night but continued to function until 1951, when
one of the two mine shafts collapsed. Repair was considered uneconomic and
so it was the end of the mine and the end of the town.
Today, DOC and the
Friends of Waiuta look after the site as a historic reserve. They hope to
preserve something of the Coastís recent history for younger generations to
appreciate. Although only a few buildings remain, the site is home to plenty
of ruins, relics and memories. |
What's in a name?
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Despite the name,
Waiuta has few connections with M‰ori. In fact, some say it was the local
postmaster at the time who helped to choose the name, using the M‰ori words
for water (wai) and reward (utu). Utu changing to uta over
time. Perhaps this was a reference to the initial gold discovery in Greek
Creek. |
Special features to
look out for
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ï Old bottles, boots
and other relics.
ï Flecks of gold in
the quartz rocks!
ï Old chimneys,
buildings, and strong rooms.
ï The abandoned
sports ground. |
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