Inglewood Railway Station

Inglewood Railway Station is New Zealand's oldest station building still on it's original site. Built in 1875 and listed a Class 1 Historic Place, being the oldest station still in place alongside an operating line. Opened in 1877, the line progressed south until it joined the network at Hawera in 1885 and from there connecting to the main Wellington line at Foxton.

The historical significance of the Taranaki line is that it was deliberately provided for by government policy, while some in other regions were privately funded. That policy was an attempt at reconcilliation after the Taranaki wars, and an attempt to bolster the population and economy of the region. On both counts some success was measured.

Here at Inglewood, the station facilities provided by this station were 'class five', the same as those at Ormondville and Dommett and other small town stations. The goods shed and canopy came later. Its position in the town was elemental and sparked the construction of the two storey Railway Hotel, 1876, which is a block away and continued trading until 2014, but continues as a liquor retailer.

Image Credit: Inglewood Station dressed in American Colours with incoming train, by Paul Stockley