The Gisborne to Motuhora Railway, built between 1900 and 1917, was a vital part of the development of the Matawai district, providing all-weather transport for people and goods. Prior to the rail reaching Matawai, travel to/from Gisborne was by horse either all the way or to the nearest railhead during construction. In wet weather roads usually became muddy and difficult for horse or bullock drawn vehicles.

The railway line reached Matawai in April 1913 and the Public Works Department provided limited train services from May 1913. On 30 October the Matawai station and completed works were handed over to the Railways Department who then operated services until 1959. There is a separate page on the Gisborne - Motuhora Railway.

The introduction of motorised road transport provided competition to the railway reducing railway usage. Following closure of the railway in 1959 and its removal, the narrow winding Matawai to Gisborne road (now State Highway 2) was upgraded and tar sealed. The road was widened, realigned and in several places the realignment used the former railway route. The improved road to Gisborne, and reduced travel time, resulted in Matawai residents buying supplies in Gisborne rather than Matawai resulting in closure of local stores.

Matawai Railway Yard, 1913
The Station Building and passenger platform is on the right of the railway, the Goods Shed is behind it on the other side of the tracks, and 4 houses for railway staff in the center of the photo.
Original larger image.
Source: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries.

Matawai Railway Station
Train leaving Matawai Station for Gisborne in 1954.
Source: Gisborne Photo News.