Waimate is approx, mid-way between Oamaru (Otago) and Timaru (Canterbury) - South Island, New Zealand. Two persons, the Late Maori Chief Te Huruhuru and the late Michael Studholme played significant roles in getting settlers to join them in the development of the town and adjoining areas. Chief Te Huruhuru's base was nearer the Wiataki river mouth at Glenavy whereas Michael Studholme settled just to the north west of the town of Waimate was subsequently laid out.