As we focus on our discussions of the future it is not unusual to spend some time seeking to know more about the past.

There are local Ngati Haua paa sites and Wiremu Tamihana is a well known figure in our local and national history but there is more to learn about local history prior to european settlement.

We are fortunate in having some excellent resources to refer to on the development of Matangi Village and district since the 1880s.These are available on the Matangilink website under the heading About, one page being solely for the history of the Matangi Factory which includes an account of the factories built on the site written by Harry and Andrew Mowbray and a 1921 newsreel.

Of the resources on the Matangi Village and District the most comprehensive is that prepared by Virginia Gallagher for the Matangi School 75th Jubilee. The history of the school is very detailed right from the time it started in the Matangi Hall in 1910 and includes many milestones and events and the names of all of the teachers and students.

In other sections of the 75th Jubilee Book there are descriptions of life in the village and how it developed around the railway line and the factory site, the farming families in the district that worked the land to supply the factory and the churches, and many sporting, community and social groups where people gathered.

If you have old photographs or historical materials you would like to share please contact us at matangicommunityc@gmail.com .

This is a community drop in meeting next week. Please read the draft plan and join us on the 20^th and/or complete the survey online or in hard copy by October 25. Any queries contact matangicommunityc@gmail.com.