The Beattie Bike Sculpture
Creators: Bill Scott and the Menz Shed
Having a replica of Herries Beattie’s 1901 Massey-Harris bicycle at the start of our trail seems very apt. His story (see below) is remarkable as he rode his bike all over the South Island collecting tales of our people and places. His stories were an honest and genuine reflection of life at the time.
The Waimate Museum has kindly loaned the original bike so a replica can be made. It's fantastic to see the structure now standing. Bill Scott has been out and about sourcing old chains and cogs to bring the bike to life. There's something special about seeing it take shape using beautiful pieces of historic machinery that once played a vital role in the development of the Waimate District. A true example of reuse and repurposing, this project is creating something new and striking for Waimate, with a meaningful story about the bike and its owner to accompany the sculpture.
Neil, Heck, Francis and Peter with the Herries Beattie bike sculpture under construction.
Francis and Heck with the original and the replica
Photo courtesy of the Otago Daily Times
James Herries Beattie
New Zealand Journalist and Historian
James Herries Beattie (1881–1972) was a preeminent New Zealand historian, ethnologist, and author. Known for his extensive preservation of southern Māori lore, traditions, and early pioneer history, his work remains foundational for understanding South Island whakapapa and oral histories.
His deep ties to Waimate span his adult life, community leadership, and historical contributions:
The Waimate Bookseller: In 1922, Beattie moved to Waimate to purchase and operate a local bookshop. He ran this business until 1939, which served as his anchor for decades of historical research and cycling excursions around the South Island.
Local Historian: While running his Waimate shop, he began interviewing Māori elders and early European settlers to record regional histories. He lived out his retirement in Waimate, eventually dedicating himself fully to writing and publishing 27 books.
The "Pedal-Powered Ethnographer": Known affectionately as "The Man With the Bike", Beattie frequently pedaled from Waimate across the South Island, visiting historical sites and gathering rich oral testimony before it was lost to time.
Waimate Museum Contribution: In 1969, Beattie donated his beloved 1901 Massey-Harris bicycle—which he had ridden across the country for over 60 years—to the Waimate Museum.