Pirongia celebrates 150 years
Clydesdale horses and a working blacksmith played their part when Pirongia hosted a fun day as part of Waipa’s 150th celebrations.
Pirongia marked the 150th commemorations for the Waipa district with a fun day last Saturday.
The main event, which took place on the Rangimarie Reserve, featured live music, activities and food stalls.
There were wagon rides around the village with the Pirongia Clydesdale horses and a working blacksmith making horseshoes on site.
Other stallholders included the Pirongia Voluntary Rural Fire Force, Mt Pirongia Lions Club and the Otorohonga Vintage Machinery Club.
Alan Hall, local historian and committee member for the Waipa commemorations, believes that Pirongia is marked very much by its past.
“This is 150 years since the village was established here and we’re simply putting our hand up and saying this is us 150 years later.”
Along the street at the Memorial Hall there were historical displays with period clothing and photos that were supplied by many of Pirongia’s locals.
Joy McGregor, the event organiser, said preparation for the day had started about two years ago when she had begun collecting dresses for the historical display.
“There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes by a lot of people,” said McGregor.
The Waipa 150th commemorations mark the establishment of the Waipa District after the land wars concluded in 1864. The districts key towns of Cambridge and Te Awamutu and its villages of Ohaupo, Pirongia and Kihikhi were all established initially as military garrison towns.
Video by Nancy El-Gamel
- For more information on the Waipa 150th celebrations and events you can head to their website www.waipa150th.org.nz.
