HistoryPurekireki, 26kms from Owaka along the Owaka Valley, originally consisted of four runs named Hays, Brugh's, Lochindorb and The Wisp. Hay's run was subdivided in 1881 with Brugh's following in 1883. This opened the area up for settlement. These smaller farms consisted of lowland tussock country and bush covered hillside on which dairy cows were run. At its height in 1884, there were 50 farms settled between Tahatika and Purekireki. The Purekireki district centre included the Purekireki School (1884-1947), a post office (1885-1924), a telephone bureau which closed in 1954, and a cheese factory (1884-1947). A Presbyterian church was established in 1896 and celebreated its centenary in 1996, however is no longer used for services. Near the church is the Purekireki Cemetery which includes the war grave of WWI soldier Private William Price who died during training. The Wisp and Lochindorb Stations remain to this day.
