“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”, the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, and the Cromwell & District Community Trust (CDCT) has updated members on the steps it is taking on Cromwell’s proposed Chinese Settlement Project.

Encouraged by the positive response from the Cromwell community to a survey conducted earlier this year by Connect Cromwell, CDCT covered off progress on the project with a slide presentation.

The idea of a reconstructed (in part), Chinese Settlement in Cromwell, on the original site of what was then called ‘Chinatown’, was seeded many years ago.  

The project has been identified by CDCT in its past two community plans, in 2013 and again in 2020, with a great deal of preparation and research on the proposal already committed.

"The trust is very excited about developing this community project that aims to value and celebrate an important aspect of Cromwell's rich history and heritage,” CDCT chair Ali Ballantine said at the trust’s recent AGM (September 27).

View from Cornish Point. The site of the original settlement (in the willows), opposite the Victoria Arms Hotel, has been identified as the most appropriate place to reconstruct this important part of our history

While the Clyde Dam was constructed, the site was excavated and recorded three months in early 1980 by a team of archaeologists led by Neville Ritchie.

 Archaeologists on site

Based on their findings, the proposal is to reconstruct low stone walls and floors, outlining the location and relationship of the settlement buildings to each other, with one complete hut replicated as possible to the original.

The original settlement was continuously occupied for more than 50 years, with more than 400 Chinese living here between 1866 and 1920.

The Cromwell Museum website notes that before the remains of Chinatown were destroyed to make way for Lake Dunstan, the site was the best-preserved example of a New Zealand Chinese urban settlement.

Shirley Calvert, who established the CDCT in 2010, says that the next step is securing funding. 

“We need funds to apply for resource consents for the initial earthworks, the creation of pathways and to establish one replica building complete with signage,” she said. 

Shirley stepped down as a trustee as of this year, but remains a member of the trust and a passionate proponent of the project.  

If successful, the Cromwell Chinese Settlement will form part of the proposed ‘Golden Highway’ - a world class cultural tourism experience, featuring stop-off points at the Arrowtown Chinese Camp, Alexandra’s Central Stories, the Lawrence Chinese Camp, and Dunedin.

The CDCT is continuing to liaise with Old Cromwell Inc, the Cromwell Museum, the Goldfields Heritage Trust, the Chinese Community, CODC, LINZ and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum as they take the next steps.