Orepuki: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Locality in Southland District, Southland Region, New Zealand}} |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=June 2015}} |
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'''Orepuki''' in Southland, [[New Zealand]] is a small country township on the coast of Te Waewae Bay |
'''Orepuki''' in Southland, [[New Zealand]] is a small country township on the coast of [[Te Waewae Bay]] some 20 minutes from [[Riverton, New Zealand|Riverton]], 15 minutes from [[Tuatapere]] and 50 minutes from [[Invercargill]] that sits at the foot of the [[Longwood Range]]. Once a thriving gold mining settlement of 3000 people, today Orepuki is something of a ghost town with an assortment of abandoned stores, goldmining relics and sluicing scars as the only reminders of its former glory. |
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[[File:Orepuki store.JPG|right|200px| A disused store in Orepuki]] |
[[File:Orepuki store.JPG|right|200px| A disused store in Orepuki]] |
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[[File:Orepuki stores.JPG|right|200px| Abandoned stores in Orepuki]] |
[[File:Orepuki stores.JPG|right|200px| Abandoned stores in Orepuki]] |
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== History == |
== History == |
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In pre-European times, local [[Māori people|Māori]] used the unique and highly prized garnet gemstones on the beach to polish and sharpen their 'toki' or [[adzes]]/axes |
In pre-European times, local [[Māori people|Māori]] used the unique and highly prized garnet gemstones on the beach to polish and sharpen their 'toki' or [[adzes]]/axes. |
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According to Maori history several Ngati Mamoe Maori were killed by a [[tsunami]] while walking along the beach near Orepuki in the 1820s. They had been gathering fish at the Waiau River mouth in autumn as provisions for the winter period. The beach runs between the sea and a line of cliffs meaning that only a moderate tsunami of 2–4 metres high would have been needed to cause so many deaths. The likely source of the tsunami could have been an [[earthquake]] on the Fiordland or Puysegur faults.<ref name="eqc">{{cite journal |
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|last1=Downes |first1=G |display-authors=1 | |
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last2=GNS |title=EQC Project 03/490 - Understanding local source tsunami: 1820s Southland tsunami. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences client report 2005/153 - Project Number: 410W1034. National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research Consultancy report HAM2005-135 - Project Number: EQC04201 |
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|date=November 2005 |
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|url=http://www.eqc.govt.nz/sites/public_files/3723-Understanding-local-source-tsunami-1820s-Southland-tsunami.pdf |access-date=31 July 2022 |
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|publisher=[[Earthquake Commission|Toka Tū Ake EQC]] |location=New Zealand}} |
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</ref> There are questions around the exact date of this event as it is reliant entirely on unverified unnamed sources. |
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European sealer [[John Boultbee (explorer)|John Boultbee]] noted in 1827 that there was an "old and small" Māori village situated near present-day Orepuki.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} It seems likely that any trace of this village was washed away by later goldminers and their sluicing activities. The English translation of 'Orepuki' has been subject to numerous theories: ''Aro-puke'' or 'crumbling cliffs' being one of the more popular suggestions. In 1923, Henry P. Young, the former headmaster of Orepuki School, said in a talk to the Southland Branch of the N.Z. Society, published in the ''Southland Times'', "the proper name is "Aropaki" and means a bright area or expanse." In ''Ngā Ingoa o Aotearoa: an oral dictionary of Māori placenames'', recorded in 1992, local {{lang|mi|[[kaumātua]]}} (tribal elder) George Te Au offers as pronunciations both Ore-PUki and ō-RĀpaki.<ref>Ngā Ingoa o Aotearoa: an oral dictionary of Māori placenames, Track 167, Western Southland http://ingoa.nz/old/all-tks/167.wma</ref> |
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The European origins of Orepuki township begin with the discovery of [[gold]] in the beaches black sand in 1865. The first tent town of Hirstfield sprung up near Monkey Island (in the lee of which ships anchored). Several years later a slightly more permanent second township was constructed to the north of the present day village, known as Garfield. Mining operations however, dictated that this site was on gold bearing land and the people and their houses, including the school, shifted to the present site to allow further mining. |
The European origins of Orepuki township begin with the discovery of [[gold]] in the beaches black sand in 1865. The first tent town of Hirstfield sprung up near Monkey Island (in the lee of which ships anchored). Several years later a slightly more permanent second township was constructed to the north of the present day village, known as Garfield. Mining operations however, dictated that this site was on gold bearing land and the people and their houses, including the school, shifted to the present site to allow further mining. |
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On 25 May 1885 a [[branch line]] [[railway]] was opened to Orepuki, providing it with swift transport to Invercargill. On 1 October 1903, a further extension beyond Orepuki was opened and the line ultimately became the [[Tuatapere Branch]]. The section of line between Riverton and Tuatapere closed on 30 July 1976. Orepuki station building still stands, relocated to serve other purposes on a farmer's paddock. |
On 25 May 1885 a [[branch line]] [[railway]] was opened to Orepuki, providing it with swift transport to Invercargill. On 1 October 1903, a further extension beyond Orepuki was opened and the line ultimately became the [[Tuatapere Branch]]. The section of line between Riverton and Tuatapere closed on 30 July 1976. Orepuki station building still stands, relocated to serve other purposes on a farmer's paddock. |
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Other industries to have operated in Orepuki include: sawmilling, coal mining, a shale works [http://www.teara.govt.nz/EarthSeaAndSky/MineralResources/OilAndGas/4/ENZ-Resources/Standard/2/en], a smelter to extract platinum, a flax mill and farming which remains as the main industry today. |
Other industries to have operated in Orepuki include: sawmilling, coal mining, a shale works [http://www.teara.govt.nz/EarthSeaAndSky/MineralResources/OilAndGas/4/ENZ-Resources/Standard/2/en], a smelter to extract platinum, a flax mill and farming which remains as the main industry today. |
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An array of old buildings still exist and currently the township supports a pub, a bowling green, a community hall, a church [http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/province/southland/diaries/orepuki_c1860.html] and a population of around 100 people. Orepuki |
An array of old buildings still exist and currently the township supports a pub, a bowling green, a community hall, a church [http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/province/southland/diaries/orepuki_c1860.html] and a population of around 100 people. Orepuki Primary School closed in 2003. By 2014, Orepuki started undergoing a transformation with new houses being built and renovated and the opening of the Orepuki Beach Cafe [http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9958247/Couple-milk-house-colour-scheme]. |
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<!-- Missing image removed: [[ |
<!-- Missing image removed: [[File:Bent trees.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Orepuki's famous trees. borealnz]] --> |
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The area is famous for a number of former All Blacks, world champion shearers, and its odd trees which appear to be in a perpetual gale, even in complete calm (frequent strong salt winds from the sea have warped and bent many trees by nearly 90°). |
The area is famous for a number of former All Blacks, world champion shearers, and its odd trees which appear to be in a perpetual gale, even in complete calm (frequent strong salt winds from the sea have warped and bent many trees by nearly 90°). |
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Some of the best sheep shearers from Orepuki area were the Forde brothers; Edsel, Darin, Maurice, Glenn and Marty and John Ingram and son Wayne These people between them held World Shearing records,represented New Zealand at World Shearing Championships, were New Zealand National, and Golden Shears Champions New Zealand Merino Champions, Trans Tasman Champions and many more |
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Surrounding areas include [[Pahia]], Round Hill, Wakapatu, Ruahine, [[Colac Bay]], Waihoaka, Te Waewae and Te Tua. |
Surrounding areas include [[Pahia]], Round Hill, Wakapatu, Ruahine, [[Colac Bay]], Garden Bay, Cosy Nook, Waihoaka, Te Waewae and Te Tua. |
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== Nearby attractions == |
== Nearby attractions == |
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[[File:Monkeyisland.jpg|thumb|Monkey Island, Orepuki, Southland, New Zealand. Orepuki township in background]] |
[[File:Monkeyisland.jpg|thumb|Monkey Island, Orepuki, Southland, New Zealand. Orepuki township in background]] |
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*'''Monkey Island'''; [http://kiwiwendy.tripod.com/id15.html] a small island and mini lagoon off the southern end of the beach. Accessible during low tide, with a small walking track. Local Māori used the island as a traditional lookout for |
*'''Monkey Island'''; [http://kiwiwendy.tripod.com/id15.html] a small island and mini [[lagoon]] off the southern end of the beach. Accessible during low tide, with a small walking track. Local Māori used the island as a traditional lookout for [[southern right whale]]s and named it 'Te Puka o Tākitimu', or the 'Anchorstone of [[Tākitimu]]' waka/canoe. |
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*'''Gemstone Beach'''; [http://rebeccathewrecker.blogspot.com/2007/03/pebbles-are-calling.html] situated ½ km north of Orepuki, this wild beach contains semi-precious gemstone such as: garnet, orbicular jasper, garnet sands, rodinguite quartz, semi nephrite, fossil worm casts, oil shale and elusive sapphire. |
*'''Gemstone Beach'''; [http://rebeccathewrecker.blogspot.com/2007/03/pebbles-are-calling.html] situated ½ km north of Orepuki, this wild beach contains semi-precious gemstone such as: garnet, orbicular jasper, garnet sands, rodinguite quartz, semi nephrite, fossil worm casts, oil shale and elusive sapphire. |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{coord|46|17|S|167|44|E|display=title|region:NZ_type:city_source:GNS-enwiki}} |
{{coord|46|17|S|167|44|E|display=title|region:NZ_type:city_source:GNS-enwiki}} |
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[[Category:Geography of Southland, New Zealand]] |
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[[Category:Southern Scenic Route]] |
[[Category:Southern Scenic Route]] |
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[[Category:Ghost towns in New Zealand]] |
[[Category:Ghost towns in Southland, New Zealand]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Foveaux Strait]] |
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Revision as of 22:06, 13 January 2024
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Orepuki in Southland, New Zealand is a small country township on the coast of Te Waewae Bay some 20 minutes from Riverton, 15 minutes from Tuatapere and 50 minutes from Invercargill that sits at the foot of the Longwood Range. Once a thriving gold mining settlement of 3000 people, today Orepuki is something of a ghost town with an assortment of abandoned stores, goldmining relics and sluicing scars as the only reminders of its former glory.
History
In pre-European times, local Māori used the unique and highly prized garnet gemstones on the beach to polish and sharpen their 'toki' or adzes/axes.
According to Maori history several Ngati Mamoe Maori were killed by a tsunami while walking along the beach near Orepuki in the 1820s. They had been gathering fish at the Waiau River mouth in autumn as provisions for the winter period. The beach runs between the sea and a line of cliffs meaning that only a moderate tsunami of 2–4 metres high would have been needed to cause so many deaths. The likely source of the tsunami could have been an earthquake on the Fiordland or Puysegur faults.[1] There are questions around the exact date of this event as it is reliant entirely on unverified unnamed sources.
European sealer John Boultbee noted in 1827 that there was an "old and small" Māori village situated near present-day Orepuki.[citation needed] It seems likely that any trace of this village was washed away by later goldminers and their sluicing activities. The English translation of 'Orepuki' has been subject to numerous theories: Aro-puke or 'crumbling cliffs' being one of the more popular suggestions. In 1923, Henry P. Young, the former headmaster of Orepuki School, said in a talk to the Southland Branch of the N.Z. Society, published in the Southland Times, "the proper name is "Aropaki" and means a bright area or expanse." In Ngā Ingoa o Aotearoa: an oral dictionary of Māori placenames, recorded in 1992, local kaumātua (tribal elder) George Te Au offers as pronunciations both Ore-PUki and ō-RĀpaki.[2]
The European origins of Orepuki township begin with the discovery of gold in the beaches black sand in 1865. The first tent town of Hirstfield sprung up near Monkey Island (in the lee of which ships anchored). Several years later a slightly more permanent second township was constructed to the north of the present day village, known as Garfield. Mining operations however, dictated that this site was on gold bearing land and the people and their houses, including the school, shifted to the present site to allow further mining. On 25 May 1885 a branch line railway was opened to Orepuki, providing it with swift transport to Invercargill. On 1 October 1903, a further extension beyond Orepuki was opened and the line ultimately became the Tuatapere Branch. The section of line between Riverton and Tuatapere closed on 30 July 1976. Orepuki station building still stands, relocated to serve other purposes on a farmer's paddock. Other industries to have operated in Orepuki include: sawmilling, coal mining, a shale works [1], a smelter to extract platinum, a flax mill and farming which remains as the main industry today. An array of old buildings still exist and currently the township supports a pub, a bowling green, a community hall, a church [2] and a population of around 100 people. Orepuki Primary School closed in 2003. By 2014, Orepuki started undergoing a transformation with new houses being built and renovated and the opening of the Orepuki Beach Cafe [3].
The area is famous for a number of former All Blacks, world champion shearers, and its odd trees which appear to be in a perpetual gale, even in complete calm (frequent strong salt winds from the sea have warped and bent many trees by nearly 90°).
Surrounding areas include Pahia, Round Hill, Wakapatu, Ruahine, Colac Bay, Garden Bay, Cosy Nook, Waihoaka, Te Waewae and Te Tua.
Nearby attractions
- Monkey Island; [4] a small island and mini lagoon off the southern end of the beach. Accessible during low tide, with a small walking track. Local Māori used the island as a traditional lookout for southern right whales and named it 'Te Puka o Tākitimu', or the 'Anchorstone of Tākitimu' waka/canoe.
- Gemstone Beach; [5] situated ½ km north of Orepuki, this wild beach contains semi-precious gemstone such as: garnet, orbicular jasper, garnet sands, rodinguite quartz, semi nephrite, fossil worm casts, oil shale and elusive sapphire.
- McCracken's rest; a rest area that provides spectacular panoramic coastal views from Pahia to the Waiau River mouth and further around to the former timber town of Port Craig.
References
- ^ Downes, G; et al. (November 2005). "EQC Project 03/490 - Understanding local source tsunami: 1820s Southland tsunami. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences client report 2005/153 - Project Number: 410W1034. National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research Consultancy report HAM2005-135 - Project Number: EQC04201" (PDF). New Zealand: Toka Tū Ake EQC. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Ngā Ingoa o Aotearoa: an oral dictionary of Māori placenames, Track 167, Western Southland http://ingoa.nz/old/all-tks/167.wma
External links
- Riverton to Orepuki Goldfields
- A trip from Riverton to Orepuki in 1860 [6]
- Orepuki on the Western Southland Website
- A to Z guide. [7]