Benneydale was a township purpose-built in 1940 to house the employees of the Mangapehi state coal mine. The mine was Benneydale’s reason for existence, so its closure after a fire in 1962 had a major, negative impact on the township. Listen to part of a 1983 radio documentary to hear more about the story behind Benneydale's name.
Transcript
Charlie Benney, he was Under Secretary of Mines, fine gentleman he was and Dale. Now Dale from what I know was a mine manager. He was the earliest mine manager here when the state took over.
Interviewer: So it was a combination of Benney and Dale?
Yes, Benny was Under Secretary until Paddy Webb. At the time I remember that party coming up here together cos the olds used to say, party promised him the moon, but I gotta get it for ya!
There was a bit of trouble with the name of the place, Benneydale, because the area was Ohirea, the Māori name and the Māori's reckon it should've been called Ohirea. Because it'll be the second European name in the King Country. In fact I think there's only the two, National Park and Benneydale that's got a European name in the King Country even today.
Using this item
Reference: 20685
Image: Alexander Turnbull Library, Whites Aviation Collection, WA-38581-F
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