Historic ride marks town’s founding

Visitors, locals and returning residents rode back in time recently to mark 150 years from the founding of the North Otago township of Duntroon.

The Duntroon and District Development Association committee said it was extremely happy with a very successful event, held over Labour Weekend.

"The theme whanaungatanga/making connections — provided an opportunity for people from the past to return and share their stories with each other and with those who now live in Duntroon. Also a great opportunity to learn about Duntroon’s history.

"The Saturday market was well-attended despite an annoying wind.

"The Heritage Trail ride was attended by several past and present Duntroon and district residents. Passengers in the landau included Eion and Liza Rutherford, John Hore, Deidre Francis, Amelia Wills with temporary rides for David Wilson, Mike Gray, Fay Daniels and Alison Simpson.

"Anne Phillips-Vira provided the commentary for most of the trail with contributions made by Mike Gray, Burns Pollock, Eion Rutherford and Susan Ingles.

"The DDDA committee was thrilled to have tumuaki Anne Te Maiharoa Dodd and John Hore to carry out the tree planting ceremony with Anne’s niece, Sammy Te Maiharoa-Bell to provide a brief history of the Waitaki’s first people; Waitaha.

"An additional speech was made by John McCone on behalf of the Waitaki District Council.

"Importantly, it was a celebration of our predominantly Scottish settler ancestors who shaped the community of Duntroon; the namesake of Robert Campbell’s ancestral home [Duntrune in Argyll, Scotland]."

Duntroon was founded in 1875 by Scottish settler Robert Campbell.