The land provided an abundance of food for local Māori, of the Ngati Wairere iwi, who grew and traded kumara, and flax. The village was surveyed to create accommodations for workers from Woodlands Estate who wished to live in their own homes.
Community Hall The first community hall was opened in 1884 on land gifted by Woodlands Estate. Due to fires and poor building materials, two more have followed
School The first school, spearheaded by the Hopa and Puke families, opened in the adjacent hall in 1891 and a classroom was built in 1893 on land originally surveyed in 1883. This is now Hukanui Park. Other schools in outlying areas have been amalgamated, with some of their buildings being relocated to Gordonton
Churches Both Anglican and Presbyterian services were first held at Woodlands Homestead. The Gordonton Presbyterian Church was built in 1918, St Mary’s Anglican Church in 1934. Both were deemed to be earthquake risks in 2020, with their futures uncertain at that date
General Store A building moved from Woodlands was used to accommodate a local store in the early 1900s. A butchery, and a mechanic’s garage were later built next door. The present store dates from the late 1960s
Post Office The Post Office, originally established in a private home, was opened in the village in 1907.
Dairy Factory A skimming station was built in 1904, with whey being used for feeding pigs and irrigation. A cheese factory was built in 1916, and finally converted to a casein factory before closing in 1978. Today many small businesses are based in the building.
Herringbone Cowshed This cowshed design was first built in Gordonton in 1952 by Ron Sharp, a descendant of the Riddell Family. Still being built today, the Herringbone design dominated the New Zealand dairy industry for many decades.