Mining began in Rotowaro around 1915 after a Railway to the area, and bridge over the Waikato river were completed. Rotowaro train station was opened on the Huntly-Awaroa railway on 11 February, 1918. A hall was built in Rotowaro during the 1920s and opened by Rev H G Gilbert on 28 April1929. The Royal Antedilluvian Order of Bufffaloes NZ Constitution of the Grand Lodge of England once had a lodge in Rotowaro, as did other Fraternal Orders.