HistoryRongahere is 41kms up river from Balclutha. A sawmill was established in this area at Black Cleugh in 1887. It wasn't until 1893 that the Rongahere Punt was established. It connected Rankleburn with Lawrence, however was in competition with the Tuapeka Punt and thus ceased operations in 1923. Public facilities included a school (1894-1918) and a post office (1893-1921, 1922-1930), Today the area remains a farming and forestry district with the school and war memorial marking what was once the centre of the community.