A bold vision started here back in 1882... a daring dream of sending meat to the
other side of the world. Today that dream is a $4.5 billion industry and New Zealand's
most famous export industry.
Once a grand estate covering 15,000
acres, today Totara's restored farm buildings and displays are a tribute to the
courage and determination of New Zealand's early pioneers, who helped shape this
country and make it great.
The site was purchased by the NZ
Meat Board and gifted to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, who restored and
opened it to the public on 15 February 1982, the centenary of the first frozen
meat shipment from these shores.
Today Totara's redevelopment
continues with the generous assistance of many inspired New Zealand companies
who have had the foresight to recognise the historic significance of this national
birthplace.
The
Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga is the leading agency for the protection
of sites and buildings in New Zealand that are of historic and cultural significance
to its peoples.
Puritia
nga taonga tuku iho a nga tupuna hei tiki huia ma nga uri whakatupu a Aotearoa.
Keep the treasures
handed down by the ancestors as an adornment for the descendants yet to be born
in New Zealand.
The
Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga is the leading agency for the protection
of sites and buildings in New Zealand that are of historic and cultural significance
to its peoples.