Saving the old girl

There are many heartbeats in small rural areas such as Waikaka in Eastern Southland and Hunterville in the Rangitikei, but nothing quite like the powerful beat of a thriving pub for all to enjoy. New Zealand’s rural communities are known for rallying together in times of need, but commercial businesses don’t normally fall under that mandate.

Grassroots determination has unfolded in both towns a few years apart. A movement that is happening in a lot of small areas where local residents are refusing to see their iconic country hotels become a fallen down, forgotten landmark on a lonely country road.

When the Waikaka Pub went up for sale in 2023 and their town was destined to become another casualty of rural decline, a group of six farmers and contractors banded together to buy the Royal Tavern in Waikaka — their nearest pubs a 20 minute drive away in Gore.

“We realised that if this hotel shut down, the entire township would die,” explains Craig Winslow, one of the key driving forces behind the pub’s community ownership. “The rugby club would suffer, and we’d be in serious trouble.”

They formed a company — Waikaka Hotel Enhancement Company — gathered six directors and six additional committee members, and began the challenging process of community fundraising.

At the same time in the North Island, the Hunterville community watched their beloved Argyle Hotel close. Two years later, in October 2025, they would also rally together and re-open as a community owned pub similar to Waikaka.

“We realised that if this hotel shut down, the entire township would die.” – Craig Winslow, founder of the Waikaka Hotel Enhancement Company

The initiative began when Hamish Cavanagh, chair of the board of directors for the revamped Argyle complex, proposed buying the pub at auction to his partner, Bex, who replied ‘Not on your dear life!’ So like all good men with an idea, he pivoted to conceive a syndicate of interested locals to not only save the Argyle but also elevate it.

“It shows what it meant to people and how strong our community is,” said Hamish.

When Waikaka pitched their community syndicate, it quickly captured international attention.

“The fundraising effort went viral in the media, with supporters from as far as Australia jumping on board. I had friends calling me from Melbourne saying they’d seen our story on their national news,” Craig laughs.

This outpouring of support in both towns, by current and former locals, highlights the deep significance small rural pubs have on community spirit as a place for social connection, family meals and iconic memories.

Both establishments have their own rich history. If the walls could talk they would tell legendary yarns from the many characters that frequented them for a pint or three.

Waikaka’s Royal Hotel has remained stoic on its main street for 153 years. Many will recall the character publican, Wattie Corcoran. He was the hotel’s publican for many years and was instrumental in finding a loophole in the law back in the days when Gore was under prohibition. Being outside the town boundary, many used to travel to Waikaka to drink as Wattie used to have an illegal bottle store in Gore and used to get the local transport to deliver alcohol to his pub.

Hunterville’s Argyle Hotel has had its battles with fires since it was established in 1885, destroyed by fire in 1901 and again in 1947, subsequently rebuilt in an Art Deco style on the corner it stands on today. Many bright ideas are born in these country pubs, including the birth of the famous Hunterville Shemozzle founded by Tony Theed, Richard Horrocks and Thomas Powell.

This new business model for rural pubs may be the future, showing that the financial risk no longer needs to fall only on the shoulders of one or two, but shareholders that are told – ‘don’t expect a financial return, you are a part of something special.’

Both communities’ responses were overwhelming. What Waikaka’s group initially thought might attract 50 shareholders quickly ballooned to over 200 investors. Hunterville’s syndicate attracted ownership by 78 people (50 families) who have bought shareholdings.

The experience has been a steeper learning curve than they both had anticipated.

“None of this would have happened without the support of the community, from the working bees to the local ladies doing painting and all the shareholders getting in behind it.” – Hamish Cavanagh, Chair, Argyle Hotel 2024

“We needed to secure a liquor license, find a suitable lessee and navigate complex legal and financial hurdles — all before Christmas. The local council proved instrumental, recognising this was a genuine community effort rather than a commercial venture,” explained Richard (Dick) Wards, farming near Waikaka.

Hunterville made the decision to renovate the building. Additional funding was raised to achieve this, as it needed some major TLC.

“We completely gutted it, took out the bedrooms to create the retail spaces, ripped up the carpet and restored the natural flooring throughout the building. In the garden bar outside we put in a huge covered deck,” says Hamish.

Waikaka’s revamp approach focuses heavily on good food and community events. Quiz nights now draw 30-40 teams, supporting local organisations from the squash club to dog trials. The pub hosts rugby team dinners, provides accommodation for forestry workers and has become a popular destination for Sunday lunches. Financially, the group is cautious but optimistic and will probably be looking at their northern rural cousins to take on exploring diversification into a potential café and a shop.

“It was never just about having somewhere for the rugby boys to drink,” explains Paul Clement, another key member of the group. “It became about creating a hub for families, a meeting place where people could come together, share a meal and connect.”

Hunterville is now a picture perfect postcard of diversification, boasting a renovated space with an inviting cafe, garden bar, eatery and three new retail spaces, all designed to appeal to both residents and passersby on State Highway 1. A campervan park has also been added to cater to overnight visitors. 

“None of this would have happened without the support of the community, from the working bees to the local ladies doing painting and all the shareholders getting in behind it. It has been 100% a team effort.”

While the primary goal remains for the community to enjoy their respective local pubs, there’s also a hope to boost the town’s economy by attracting visitors. But more so, it proves that the heart of rural New Zealand beats strongest when people unite with a common purpose. 

“It’s about building a better Hunterville,” Hamish concludes.