'The Matakana App' is appreciative that local Andrienne Millar knows much of the history of Matakana and loves to share it. Andrienne has agreed to work alongside TMA so we can share many of the old stories of people and events with you. I know first-hand what an amazing storyteller Andrienne is.

When I approached Andrienne and communicated with her that I’d like to use TMA to share our local history Andrienne suggests the Matakana Cemetery was a good place to start. Many of those who rest at the cemetery their families are still in the Matakana district today.

Below is an excerpt from a piece written by Steph Mellors. Steph is an ex-copy editor at the Rodney Times and is also a trustee of the Matakana Cemetery Trust. Andrienne has gained her permission to use these excerpts from an article she wrote in 2015.

“Walking through the Matakana Cemetery is by no means a doleful experience. If you’ve got an hour to spare and want to explore a bit, you might like to don some comfortable shoes, perhaps take a walking pole, and make your way up the steepish short track to acquaint yourself with some of the locals. Many of their descendants still live in the district.

Don’t’ let the uphill pathway deter you from discovering Matakana Cemetery, there’s a rope hand hold to make the path easier. It’s an interesting place where lie many of the early local settlers. Each has made a contribution to this village. 

 Their laughter and tears, vision and hard work will echo for you if you allow it. Sit awhile and pay your respects, enjoy the bush backdrop and be at peace”.  - Steph Mellors Matakana Cemetery Trust - 2015