Otago Daily Times, 16 May 2022 Up to 300 people turned out in Cromwell on Saturday to farewell not only a complete stranger but a man who died generations before anyone in attendance was even born. The unknown gold miner’s remains were discovered buried near Cromwell in 1983, during archaeological work ahead of construction of the Clyde Dam and highway. Evidence of grave robbing was discovered which had occurred sometime after his burial more than 140 years ago. The man’s remains, including his well-preserved boots, were then housed in the University of Otago’s anatomy department where the man was known as [...]

Haka Tourism Group founder Ryan Sanders first learnt the Earnscleugh Station Homestead was for sale when a staff member sent him the link as a possible site for luxury backpackers accommodation. He had other ideas, sending it to his husband, Marco Creemers, with a note saying, ‘‘Stuff that, we’ll live there’’. The couple were in Alexandra this week with friends and family to organise waterproofing of the category 1 listed historic place and try to learn all they could about its history. Mr Creemers, of Auckland, is a project director for Samson Corporation, where he has overseen many new buildings, green [...]

By Shannon Thompson - The News, 5 November 2021 Cromwell revisited the past at the weekend. The Central Otago branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand hosted the National Veteran Car and Motorcycle Rally in the town. More than 40 “veterans” vehicles manufactured up to the end of 1918 throughout the South Island attended the rally. They took part in an average-speed section, hill ascent and an afternoon drive around Tarras, Luggate and Cardrona on Saturday, followed by “field tests” at Highlands and a public display in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct on Sunday. Ashburton motoring enthusiasts David and Marion [...]

The News: By Shannon Thomson The News - 28 October 2021 A classic Kiwi story marked a century on Sunday. Hayes Homestead – a Heritage New Zealand-managed property at Oturehua turned 100 last Monday. The homestead was built by Bernard and Stanley Hayes for their parents, Ernest and Hannah. Mudbricks were made on-site in the years before World War 1, with concrete foundations poured and construction beginning once the brothers returned from active duty in 1919-20. The original homestead featured the technical innovations the Hayes family were known for, including the first flush toilet in the Maniototo, a homemade shower, air [...]

Take a look at the Spring edition of our print newsletter. Feature stories include: the life and times of McNulty House, the legacy of Choie Sew Hoy, our region’s gold dredging boom and more… If you’d like to receive a copy, email us at maggie@heritagecentralotago.org.nz. Alternatively, you can view the newsletter online as a flipbook here.  

Otago Daily Times , 30 June 2021 For Clutha’s new community heritage co-ordinator, the role is something of a trip down memory lane. Former Catlins resident Tiffany Jenks took on the position for Clutha District Libraries in April, and described it on Monday as "a dream role". The former Toitu asset registrar spent much of her childhood at Maclennan in the eastern Catlins, where her family has farmed since the 1940s. She said it was the history of the small, former railway and logging township that had given her a passion for New Zealand heritage, leading her to work in museums [...]

The News 24 June 2021 What’s in a name? The first event in the Cromwell Museum Winter Series 2021 will ask that question on Sunday when the name Cromwell, Oliver that is, and his links to the town allegedly named after him will be explored. “In Search of Cromwell: The Legacy of a Forgotten Painting’’ presented by University of Otago associate professor of English Thomas McLean will be speaking at the museum from 3pm. In it, associate Prof McLean examines the history of Thomas Herbert Maguire’s work Cromwell Refusing the Crown of England and the Victorian fascination with Oliver Cromwell and [...]