'Real-Life' Displays Add Fresh Flavour to Totara Estate

New Zealand Historic Places Trust information release
7 November 2003

The much anticipated opening of the redevelopment of Totara Estate, birthplace of New Zealand's frozen meat industry, is now less than one week away.

The Estate redevelopment, located just south of Oamaru, will officially be opened by the Prime Minister and Minister Arts, Culture and Heritage, the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, at a lunch-time function on Thursday 13th November. The opening ceremony will also include the premiere of a song written specifically for the occasion by Kiwi folk icon, Phil Garland.

"We're honoured to have the Prime Minister in attendance," said Chair of Totara Estate's Redevelopment Committee, John Acland. "The Government's advocacy and support for heritage is to be commended."

A feature of the day will see Totara Estate operating as a live Victorian Estate with traditional working trades such as blacksmiths and saddlers and live demonstrations of pioneer farming practice. One of many highlights will see the traditional running of the 'Swaggers Race' to the Brydone Monument overlooking the Estate.

The upgrades to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust property are the result of a significant partnership between major meat and port companies and the Trust. Key improvements to the site include recreation of the Slaughterhouse, a sound and light show creating the atmosphere of butchers working on the line in 1882, an introductory video to the site and the history of the meat and port industries, and the reintroduction of early New Zealand sheep breeds to the property.

"It's a big step forward for the Trust in taking the interpretation of a national heritage site to a new level" said New Zealand Historic Places Trust Chief Executive, Dr Bill Tramposch. "We own much to those companies who have had the foresight and vision to recognise and value this site of national significance."

For more information:

Scott Elliffe
Property Manager
Totara Estate
Tel: 03 434 7169 or 021 216 9851
Email: totaraestate@historic.org.nz

OR

Bruce Albiston
General Manager Southern
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
Ph: 03 377 3968 or 0274 844 088