HistoryThe district of Merino Downs, situated between Tapanui and Waikaka, formed from the sub-division of Merino Downs Station in 1886 and Greenvale Station in 1984. In the early days of the settlement, poor roading made the community isolated and restricted the threshing and transportation of grains grown in the area. Gradual roading upgrades improved links to Tapanui and Kelso, however it wasn't until the opening of the Waikaka railway line 1909 that trading of goods and services truly developed. The Merino Downs combined school and teachers residence was built in 1895 and had a post office attached to it. This building burnt down in 1916, however was promptly replaced. A church was built in 1934, and a town hall later on in 1950. The school closed down in 1958 with local children transferring to Waikaka School. The Merino Downs community remains largely agricultural, however has stiffed away from grain to livestock.
