Photographer unknown
Dates: 1896-1918
Location: 1427 Owaka Valley Road, Owaka Valley, Otago (-46.390089, 169.508914)
Registration No: 1137
Brand name: 1137
Circa 1900 - photographer unknown
Early Efforts to Establish a Factory (1893-1895)
The push for a Tahatika dairy factory began in June 1893 when Mr Wright of the Owaka Dairy Factory visited Tahatika and Purekireki with a view to starting a creamery “in the most central and suitable position”. Despite widespread support, nothing eventuated possibly due to high prices being commanded for home-made butter at the time making factory made butter less appealing.
Interest in a local factory was resurrected in 1895 in a series of meetings including in the local schoolhouse to explore options for a nearby processing site. John Ford chaired the meeting and read a letter from the Owaka factory manager, noting that Mr Heenan was willing to build a factory if farmers guaranteed 150,000 gallons of milk and chose a site ten miles away from his Owaka factory. A rough count estimated 115 cows in Tahatika and 218 in Purekireki, enough to support a new venture. A follow up meeting in George Johnstone’s barn confirmed strong local interest, with farmers agreeing to invite Heenan to discuss ways and means for establishing the factory. Despite enthusiasm, progress stalled, and by late 1895, the community was still debating the proposal.
The First Factory and Early Difficulties (1896-1897)
In 1896, the Dunedin Meat and Export Company of New Zealand Limited canvassed the Tahatika district to see what support there was for a local factory and who was prepared to take shares in the venture. Some farmers taking shares were under a misapprehension that the venture was a co-operative dairy company before it became apparent it was a private company. After some debate, a motion was caried by 18 votes to 4 to support the new venture. That support was sufficient for a site to be selected and a factory to be built in late 1896. The newly formed company struggled financially, leaving farmers unpaid and frustrated. One farmer, Donald Matheson, famously confronted the manager: “Can the company sack ye?” followed by “Then I wid say that the sooner it does the better!” Despite these troubles, the factory continued, producing cheese that was carted by dray to Glenomaru for rail shipment. By 1 March 1897, the factory was under the ownership of The New Zealand Co operative and Agency Company Limited following a name change with J. Crossland as manager.
Ownership Changes and Expansion (1897-1902)
The late 1890s saw major restructuring in the district’s dairy industry. The New Zealand Co operative and Agency Co. attempted to consolidate numerous factories, including Tahatika, Owaka, Tahakopa and others. However, the company collapsed in 1898 and its factories - including Tahatika - were offered for sale. Local businessman Oswald Crawford stepped in, purchasing the Tahatika and Owaka factories and running them “in a most creditable manner”, with Tahatika producing cheese of high quality. Crawford’s efforts stabilised the district until 1901 when the Taieri and Peninsula Milk Supply Company bought both factories, converting them into creameries and integrating them into their wider Otago network.
Many of the local farmers became shareholders in the creamery including James Sim, Robert Donald, James Morrison Thomson, Frederick Bradfield, Charles Sutton, John Harris and Archibald McCalman.
Factory showing creek in foreground, school in background and pile of timber for building school house in middle ground - photographer unknown
Google Maps 2026
Circa 1884 - The Taieri & Peninsula Milk Supply Company Limited’s Dunedin premises on Great King Street with first Manager Mr WJ Birch standing above the white cross - factory is in behind the office - photographer unknown
Taieri & Peninsula Era: Growth and Community Life (1902-1910)
The Taieri and Peninsula Company began full operations at Tahatika in October 1902, appointing Frederick Fastier as manager and receiving strong support from local farmers, many of whom purchased shares. Challenges included low winter milk supply, poor road conditions, and a boiler failure that required urgent replacement. The factory became a social hub, hosting annual picnics in John Ford’s paddock featuring races, games, and prizes for children and adults. John Ford owned two farms in the district including one on which the factory, school and post office were located. Management of the creamery changed hands several times - Fastier (1902), Thomas Garr (1907), and Alexander Sinclair (1910). The company also coordinated operations with the Owaka and Owaka Valley creameries, reflecting a growing regional system.
Bob Souness pictured - photographer unknown
Decline, Closure, and Final Disposal (1916-1921)
By the mid 1910s, technological change and economic pressures began to undermine small creameries. The rise of home separators and a slump in overseas dairy prices left some farmers despondent, with one noting that “instead of progressing forward, everything seemed to be backsliding”. Rumours of closure circulated, and in 1918 both Tahatika and Owaka Valley creameries shut down. Taieri and Peninsula shifted to collecting cream directly from farm gates, contracting Owaka carrier Frank Searle for cartage. The company attempted to sell the Tahatika factory for £300 but there were no takers. On 24 October 1919, both the Tahatika and Owaka Valley creameries were placed in the hands of Donald Reid and Son in Owaka to be sold by public auction. As there was no interest in the auction on 4 November, the Taieri and Peninsula Company decided to sell both privately. Thomas Morris was approached by the company with an offer of £270 for the land and buildings for the Tahatika factory but he declined. On 26 March 1921, John Ford was offered the same property for £250 but by 7 April 1921 he had not replied to the company. William Bradfield then offered the company £180 on 21 April. One of the conditions of sale was that he took the property subject to the existing tenancy. The transfer of buildings to William Bradfield was finalised on 30 June 1921.
No known remains although the school house near where the factory was built is still standing (as at August 2026).