 
Te Aroha News
28 August 2009
Stone Plant's History Debated by Council
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| FENCED OFF: The Waiorongomai stone crushing plant. |
Matamata-Piako District Council is debating whether a stone crushing plant is of historic significance and worth spending $25,000 of ratepayers' money on.
A staff report tabled at the recent corporate and operations committee meeting said the plant at Waiorongomai, near Te Aroha, is a recorded archaeological site and, while less significant than the goldfields relics in the area, the crusher and quarry are an integral part of the valley’s history.
The remains add "historic interest" at the car park which is a major entry point to the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park associated Kaimai Heritage Trail which is under development.
Used by the former Piako County Council in the 1920s to improve roads, the plant also stands as physical evidence of early initiatives undertaken by local government to support development in the region, said the report.
The plant was fenced off last Christmas because of safety issues.
Most of the site is owned by the council, with a small portion in the hands of the Department of Conservation (DOC).
DOC said it would like to work with the council to develop a solution to stabilise and retain at least part of the structure.
Council community facilities manager Steve Fabish said DOC wants to open up the Waiorongomai area further to take pressure of Karangahake between Paeroa and Waihi. "They are gearing up for the 2011 Rugby World Cup."
The report recommended that selected parts of the plant, which have deteriorated, be removed ($19,000) and ownership transferred to DOC ($6000).
Mayor Hugh Vercoe questioned whether the plant is part of the history of the area. "It was for rock crushing for roads. I would be reluctant to spend $25,000."
Councillor Leonie Tisch also questioned the heritage value of the structure.
Permanently fencing off the area would be the cheapest option, said chief executive officer Don McLeod.
Council deferred a decision pending a site visit next Wednesday.
By Steve Edwards @ Piako Post |
