Rūnanga Miners’ Hall & Trust
The trials and successes of the local miners and their families are intertwined with the history of Runanga Miners’ Hall, which spans over a hundred years and gave rise to the modern Labour Party.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
The story begins in 1905, shortly after the Miners’ Union was founded. A well-known local and union politician, Robert Semple, advocated constructing a community hall specifically for this purpose. The union, local businesses, the state, and miners all worked together on this groundbreaking project, which was the nation’s first collaboratively constructed hall. In 1908, the Rūnanga community celebrated the official opening of the George Millar-designed hall.
Beyond its role as a social gathering place, the hall became a focal point for discussing and debating important issues. From local issues to national debates, the hall hosted numerous gatherings and rallies, instilling a strong sense of community and purpose.
The Rūnanga Miners’ Hall is known for its strong ties to the labour movement and socialist ideals. Notably, it played a critical role in the 1913 Waterside Workers’ Strike and served as a springboard for establishing the modern New Zealand Labour Party in 1916. Leading figures like Peter Fraser and Harry Holland utilised the hall to rally support and advocate for their causes.
The original hall was tragically destroyed by fire in 1937, but a replacement structure designed by the original architect, George Millar, was completed on the same site within nine months.
Although the State Miners’ Union ceased to exist in the 1960s, the hall continued its journey. After serving as a factory for a short period and experiencing a phase of disuse, it was eventually renovated and transformed into the Rūnanga District Community Center in the 1980s. However, due to lack of funds and maintenance, the hall is now falling into a state of decay. Today, the Runanga Miners Hall Trust are at the forefront of leading conservation and fundraising efforts to save the hall from complete loss.
How You Can Help
The Friends of Runanga Miners’ Hall offers several ways to get involved and support the Hall. Become a member for exclusive invites, discounts, and newsletters. Follow their Facebook page for updates, and share their events with friends. Donate to their current project and see the impact of your contribution. Join a working group to contribute your skills, whether it’s DIY, research, marketing, fundraising, or sharing stories. Even if you don’t have specific skills, contact the Trust to see how you can contribute to the Hall’s future.
Address
District Grey
Street address 7 McGowan Street
Town Runanga
Postcode 7873
