Windmill on Marshland

Historically, windmills in The Netherlands served many purposes. The most important probably was pumping water out of the lowlands and back into the rivers beyond the dikes so that the land could be farmed. In the fourteenth century, hollow-post mills were used to drive scoop wheels to drain the wetlands.

There are over 1000 windmills in The Netherlands. Some are still being used for drainage. Exploring windmills in The Netherlands is an exciting thing to do. The Dutch have restored many of the historic sites.

On 13th April 2003 The Molen in Foxton (North Island) was officially opened. The project began when a Dutchman, Dirk van Til, bought a property in Foxton. The land reminded Dirk and his business partner so strongly of the Netherlands, they decided to build a genuine Dutch Windmill.

Frank van Schaijik, director of John Jones Steel Ltd in Christchurch, had a similar dream when he saw the potential in what used to be the base of a lighthouse in Lyttelton.

Frank approached the Netherlands Society and together they will make his dream a reality. However, a lot of water will flow through the Waimak before our windmill can be christened.

To help us get the millstones grinding, a Give a little page has been set up to give people the opportunity to donate to this project. Even though it will not be an exact replica of a Dutch windmill, it will represent “home”. It is about leaving a piece of history for future generations.

The Netherlands Society Christchurch Inc. is a non-profit organization