Wainuiomata boasts a rich history, with certain individuals and families playing pivotal roles in shaping its story over the years.
Norman Elias Willis
Norman Willis, a land developer and owner, established a subdivision in Homedale, Wainuiomata in the late 1950s to 1960s, which encompassed Hine Road, Sunny Grove, and Willis Grove, the latter being named in his honor. Sunny Grove was named by his daughter, Brenda Shirley Willis (1931–2014), who expressed a desire for sunshine on the day she was shown the site.
Sinclair Family
The Sinclairs played a significant role in shaping the valleys east of the village, including Moores Valley and Sinclairs Valley, later known as Waterworks Valley. They had begun timber milling in the area when the government, acting on behalf of the WCC, intervened to halt their operations, reserving the eastern extent of Sinclair Valley for water collection purposes instead. Despite this setback, the Sinclairs received compensation for the acquisition of their land, marking the pinnacle of their logging business.
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