Author(s): Irene Sutton

Rotorua Books

Kaitangata has an interesting and rich historical past. Firstly, the period up to 1862 when the impact of th goldrushes acted as the initial catalyst for Kaitangata's growth, the ever-increasing river transport allowed for the transport of equipment and supplies to the Tuapeka goldfields. This, along with the early pioneers of the land, played an important role in the progress of the settlement. Secondly, the period from 1862 to 1878 depicted Kaitangata's transition to a mining town, and with the opening of the Stirling-Kaitangata Branch railway in 1876, linled areas of natural resources to markets which allowed industries to develop and flourish. This marked the beginning of a boom for Kaitangata. In its heyday, Kaitangata was self-supporting. A variety of businesses, shops, banks, tradesmen, transport, health and education facilities were available. Coal was Kaitangata and Kaitangata was coal, its warmth offering glowing prosperity. In spite of the closure of the Lockington Mine in 1970, the last State coalmine in the area, as well as the dependence on coal as a fuel in decline, Kaitangata will face the future with confidence and determination.