The historic lumber wagon placed at the start of the newly opened Paengaroa cycle trail adds a nostalgic touch to a community changing with the pace of modern times.

Gifted to the Paengaroa Community Association by Comvita, the wagon has been restored under the skilled hands of a team of dedicated enthusiasts Phil Langley, John Fowler, Bob Yuill, Phil Richards, Bob Hill-Rennie and Frank Frazer Jones.

The historic wagon at Paengaroa.

Western Bay District Councillor Sue Matthews says careful consideration went into the wagon's chosen site on the cycleway.

"The chosen placement will enhance the trail and serve as a reminder to all who travel the cycleway of Paengaroa's rich history as a major junction town for all horse-drawn traffic travelling from Maketu to Rotorua.

"The wagon is a wonderful feature for Paengaroa community and it is a perfect gift from Comvita to preserve our past.''

The wagon was restored from the original vehicle displayed outside the Coachman Tavern in Paengaroa before Comvita took over the site many years ago.

Project manager Phil Langley says the concept for the wagon was not to replicate the original design but to create a decorative display item.

He says the chassis was originally a logging cart, most likely pulled by oxen from the 1800s and the body was from a utility wagon that probably carried sacks of corn and milk churns.

The original wheels, made from steel with cogs built into the hubs, were welded to the original axles on the wagon and have been replaced by functioning wooden wheels.

"Our rebuild started by measuring and recording the wagon dimensions, stripping it down so each metal item could be shot-blasted and repainted,'' says Phil.

"Most of the bolts had corroded completely and we had to replace them. None of the original wood was salvageable so we copied the original design for the chassis and changed the body structure by including a floor, tail gate, front panel and driver seat. The driver seat has been made from wood milled from trees felled at Paengaroa School.''

The restoration project received strong financial support from Maketu Rotary and First Sovereign Trust.