NZ is dotted with small rural communities, often existing simply because at one stage they may have been a pioneering settlement or a farm supply depot. Now they just...are.
Tirau used to be like this, but these days the friendly little South Waikato town (pop.800) seems abuzz with energy! It has a growing reputation as a great place to shop for curios and antiques – and of course have 'a cold one' in the archetypal country pub at the top of the hill - but down along the main street is a healthy collection of craft shops, clothing boutiques, cafes...and corrugated iron! 
Yes, that classic kiwi construction component appears everywhere: from signage and decorations, to the largest corrugated iron sheep and sheepdog in the world! Tirau's great Information Centre is housed in a building shaped like a dog, and complements the sheep-shaped building next door which is home to a wool and craft shop. Wonderful landmarks for any tourist! And a giant corrugated Good Shepherd stands just along the road - appropriately right outside the local church.
Tirau is right in the middle of some of the most fertile land in New Zealand, with a variety of outdoor high-adventure activities nearby...and only 15km away is Lake Karapiro, which hosts the 2010 World Rowing Championships (October 31st - November 7th). So I suspect many tourists will discover and love the tin-shed town of Tirau this year (and make the local corrugated iron fabricator a bit wealthier too!).And when they visit, I hope they remember to donate their BRAS! Dunno what the local Girl Guides actually want them for...but this is the sort of sign you'll only find in Heartland New Zealand!
2 comments:
Enjoyed your blog today.
Tirau is a great town good photos too did you take em?
Thanx for your comment! Yes, I did take these pix: I was passing through Tirau back in February, on a lovely summer's day. It's a great little place.
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