History
In 1907 the Salvation Army purchased Rotoroa from the Ruthe family to establish an alcoholic rehabilitation facility under the "Inebriates and Drunkards Act 1906".
The first patient committed to The Army's care was from
Invercargill. Until the establishment of Hamner Springs,
Rotoroa was a national facility drawing voluntary and involuntary
committals from all over New Zealand. Over 12,000 admissions are
recorded.
In 2005, The Salvation Army dis-established the Rotoroa based
alcohol and drug rehabilitation services to continue its work
nationwide through the community based 'Salvation Army Bridge'
programme on the mainland.
A Heritage Centre and Archive devoted to the history of the
Salvation Army in New Zealand features information on Rotoroa
Island. Visit the Sallies heritage centre online, by clicking here.