Waimate Grain Silos

"These reinforced steel silos were built for wheat storage in 1920. They were used for storage during 1920-21, but were thought to be a failure when the wheat did not keep well, possibly because the silos were used too soon after construction. Wheat was stored in them again in the 1960s, this time with success." Heritage New Zealand.

In 2018, the owners of the silos, Waimate Transport, decided to enhance Waimate's townscape by having massive murals of the town's most prominent characters painted upon them by local artist Bill Scott. The transformation was quite impressive and NZPlaces would love to share YOUR PHOTOS.

The founding fathers of Waimate are the two (much) larger than life characters on the tallest Silo. They are Te Huruhuru and Micheal Studholme. The Studholme family are still a large presence in South Canterbury, the town of Waimate being founded upon the meeting here depicted. Te Huruhuru, of Waitaha, Kati Mamoe and Kai Tahu descent, was chief of Te Waimatemate Pa, and it is told that friendly discussion between the pair in 1854 was the beginnings of not only Waimate, but a good relationship. A monument to the pair and the meeting is nearby and facing, having been erected in 1934.

On the Northern side of the silos, is a representation of Norman Kirk, popular Labour Prime Minister of the 1970s. He was born in Waimate, and though he spent much of his working life in Kaiapoi, was buried here upon his sudden death in 1974. Rumour persists that Kirk may have had Ngai Tahu ancestry. The photograph copied for his mural is a news photograph of him with a young Moana Priest at Waitangi celebrations in 1972.

The other local heroes Eric Batchelor, much decorated World War Two hero and New Zealand's first woman medical practitioner Margaret Cruickshank. Cruickshank was a twin, born in Waimate in 1873, and fought circumstance and hardship to become a registered doctor in 1897. She was well regarded for her dedication to Influenza patients in the great Flu pandemic of 1918, and sadly succumbed to Influenza herself that year. The town memorial to Cruickshank is a 3m statue in Seddon Square.

The silo artworks can be seen from all over Waimate, and it's approaches on the State Highway, but the community wanted more, and added a tribute to a local rugby supporter in action laundering jerseys. There is also talk of raising platforms for better views.

Hometown New Zealand Photographs by Derek Smith

Image Credit: Derek Smith and Maclean Barker Photographers