Remembering the Early Days of Claudelands

Floral fete at Claudelands. Photographs from Auckland Weekly News - all first placed in their class, 1909. Reference: HCL_10135

Claudelands, nestled in Hamilton's east, is one of the city's oldest suburbs, celebrated for its historical charm and vibrant community spirit. Located just across the Waikato River from central Hamilton, the area reflects a rich blend of Maaori and European heritage. Before the European settlement, Claudelands was known as Te Papanui, a semi-swamp lowland forest home to Ngaati Wairere, as well as Ngaati Haanui and Ngaati Koura. The area supported kaainga, gardens, and key paa sites, including Miropiko Paa, now a protected reserve.

Following the Waikato War and land confiscations in 1864, many Maaori relocated to areas such as Gordonton, and European settlement began. Francis Richard Claude, a wealthy immigrant from South America, purchased approximately 400 hectares and subdivided it for residential use by 1878.

 Set up in Claudelands in front of Jubilee Bush a military camp of numerous tents, c.1900. Reference: HCL_02133 

The Claudelands railway station, opened in 1884, connected the suburb to Hamilton, facilitating the transport of people, livestock, building materials, and produce. Not long after, in 1887, an area of kahikatea forest was cleared to build a racecourse, which became a popular local gathering spot until racing moved to Te Rapa in 1925. The suburb became known for its distinctive bay villas and bungalows, many of which remain there today.

 Earthworks preparing the surface for the new road into central city, along the former railway corridor, September 1967. Reference: HCL_03543

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