Belgrove Windmill Repairs

The old Belgrove windmill has stood tall for 126 years and after strong winds tore off a section of its wooden blades a few months ago, a team effort has restored the structure and ensured it continues as a landmark for decades to come.

It’s a landmark of national significance as it is a rare relic of the water supply once used on New Zealand railways. When it was built in 1898, the railway existed between Nelson and Belgrove and was being extended to Motupiko. The windmill was large enough to supply the steam engines and water for the small town of Belgrove. Restoring the wooden relic, which sits opposite the former Belgrove Tavern, was a one of a kind project for those involved. ITM in Richmond replaced the old totara blades with yellow cedar and joinery supervisor Isaac Farrer-Elphick says every blade has a different angle so it meant getting the right angles for every one of them. Once recreated, Brown and Syme painted the wooden pieces.