Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 36, September 1992
It was an historic occasion for the district when the station at Waikino was officially opened by Internal Affairs Minister and Patron of Goldfields Steam Train Society Graeme Lee, on Sunday, 27 October, 1991. Over 1000 people gathered at the newly furbished "Paeroa" station to witness Mr Lee drive the Society's Peckett locomotive through the red tape to mark the opening in a novel way.
Mr Lee said, "today we are not celebrating one occasion, but four. We are firstly celebrating the Waikino Visitors' Centre opening; secondly the completion of the Karangahake Walkway; thirdly, the extension and completion of the Goldfields Steam Train line and fourthly, an occasion truly worth celebrating - history itself. However, not only do we celebrate today the great history of this area, but indeed we are making history itself. I am sure we share the delightful irony in this - that the history we make today involves a reopening of the steam railway line first opened in this district 85 years ago."
An old time fairground atmosphere prevailed at Waikino with the opening of the showcase railway station/tourist centre, flags and banners flapped in the breeze as the brass and jazz bands played with the people of Waikino getting into the spirit of the event by dressing up in period costume.
(Leader Photo)
Waikino Station - Visitor's Centre Opening
Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 36, September 1992
Throughout the day throngs of people, many of them train enthusiasts from far and near, travelled to Waihi and back enjoying the vintage railway's service and hospitality. The 1938 Peckett engine gleamed as did Goldfields new dining carriage.
The opening of the new station was the culmination of a dream envisaged by rail enthusiasts when the Paeroa - Apata line was closed down in 1978 and the Goldfields Steam Train Society formed to preserve the line to Waihi as a tourist attraction. The visitors' centre would feature displays and artifacts associated with the gold-mining history as well as information on current facilities and attractions in the area. The Steam Train Society, Ohinemuri Earth Watch and Cyprus Gold would also have a presence in the centre and local crafts would be on display.
Hauraki District Mayor, Basil Morrison, described the opening as a tremendous amount of input from people over a long period of time.