This is a story from our monthly newsletter, Heritage this Month.

Rosemary Baird | Hakatere Ashburton

Hundreds of descendants, guests and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of this new community heritage park on 25 February. The authentic market garden buildings, archaeological remains and interpretation panels now share the history of this unique site with the public.

The Ng King Brothers Chinese Market Garden operated from the early 1920s until 1964. It quickly grew to be the largest Chinese market garden in the South Island. By the late 1940s there were about 12 houses in the settlement and at least 80 people living on site. In 2008, the Ng King families, led by the late Yep Ng began the process of handing over stewardship of the site to Ashburton District Council so it could become a community reserve. 

For our staff, it was a special moment. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga declared the settlement a post-1900 archaeological site in 2019 and a Category 1 historic place in 2020. Staff also supported oral history training for the family and helped write the interpretation panels for the site. 

Director Southern Christine Whybrew attended the opening. “This is a project that’s been characterised by goodwill, dedication and partnership from so many parties,” she says. “You could feel the excitement at the event, with the culmination of years of effort."

Heritage consultant Arlene Baird, who has facilitated the project for Ashburton District Council and the family for many years, is thrilled with the outcome. “This site has been revitalised, not only by the building restorations, but also with the amazing stories that will live on for the enjoyment and education of future generations.” 

A highlight at the opening were the lion, ribbon and dragon dances performed by The Qiao Yi Hong De Lion Dance Team. The Ashburton Museum is also hosting a special exhibition on the Ng King Chinese Market Garden Settlement until 12 May.