Westland Industrial Heritage Park Celebrates 25 Years as Hokitika's Living Museum

Established in 1999 after the Westland Farm and Vintage Machinery Club disbanded in the 1980s, the park has grown from its humble origins into a vibrant hub of historical preservation. The Westland District Council provided the site within the Hokitika Aerodrome Reserve to house historical assets collected by the former Westland County, along with items from the Hokitika Museum and the Farm and Vintage Machinery Club.

Over the years, the park has expanded to include impressive engine exhibitions, a livery, a fire museum, a creative heritage hub, and a passenger bush railway. It's entirely operated by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about restoring Westland's industrial heritage to working condition for public enjoyment.

"We never expected it to be like this," said founding member and secretary Ian Gilbertson. "It was mainly for half a dozen old fellas that wanted to play around with old engines."

The restoration of the twin engine that once powered the old Houston sawmill in Hari Hari was the spark that ignited the park's journey. "We decided to try and get it going and really from there it’s just kept on ticking on," Gilbertson said. This engine is now a highlight of the Big Engines Exhibition, which features audio storytelling and a light show.

Today, the park boasts around 60 members, with about half actively working on various projects. Gilbertson noted that the first stage of the new tracks and wheels display shed is nearing completion. Additionally, a new maritime centre is in the planning stages, awaiting building consent, while the Museum of Fire building will be formally opened as part of the 25-year celebrations on June 15.

The Museum of Fire houses an eclectic collection of fire memorabilia, engines, and early appliances dating back to the 1860s, including items from the 159-year-old Hokitika Volunteer Fire Brigade.

As the Westland Industrial Heritage Park marks this quarter-century milestone, it continues to honour the region's rich industrial past, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from these restored historical treasures.