A building once part of the Waikato’s bustling milk processing network now tells its own historic story.

The former dairy factory at Manawarū, between Te Aroha and Matamata, became Community View – including a heritage centre – in 2020.

In the middle of the rural township, the original Manawarū Co-operative Butter Factory was built in 1902 and was one of the earliest Waikato co-ops.

The original building burnt down in 1929 but was rebuilt by the former New Zealand Co-Operative Dairy Company in a remarkable six months and at the time was the largest cheese processing site in the southern hemisphere.

It later changed to cream and casein production but closed for good in 1981 and sat mostly idle for the next 40 years.

The rebirth was pioneered by the late David Bay, who was heavily involved in farming and church activities at Manawarū, and a member of the New Zealand Dairy Board.

Strong support for the Heritage Centre project also came from Manawarū identities George Armstrong and the late Eric James.

David Bay was a founder of Hillview Trust, now part of Trinity Lands – currently chaired by his son Stuart – a significant funder of community projects in rural areas.

The trust, which has also had a long association with Manawarū Bible Chapel, identified the cheese factory transformation as a project it could fund as a “community good” project.

It purchased the site in 2010 and Manawarū Historical Society was gifted, at peppercorn rent, an area of the former factory. The revamped building also boasts a café and function/recreation centre, with climbing wall.

Stuart Bay, who drove the project after David’s death in 2015, says a heritage centre was always part of his father’s vision for Community View, operating under the umbrella of the Manawarū Historical Society which David Bay founded in 2011.

Vibrant Hub 

“The trust wanted to see the old rundown Manawarū dairy factory restored as a community facility, to be a vibrant hub like it once was in its day,” says Stuart.

He says the result would see a strong and vibrant community using Community View as a village centre, with a sense of ownership.

“It is a hub where everyone is welcome and known and a great facility for the children of our district to use.”

Stuart Bay says it is another centre of focus for the district to have pride in.

“It benefits our community and preserves our history.”             

Robyn Wade, secretary of the Manawarū Historical Society, says it is the mission of the heritage centre to provide a space for the display of local interest items and use them to tell stories and explain the importance of Manawarū history, especially in dairying, on a national stage.

It is also used as a place of education, giving children and adults a chance to understand the area through the perspective of the past, says Robyn.

“The centre also helps preserve and record histories from local families, so the knowledge of a generation cannot be lost.”

Manawarū Cheese Factory in 1929.

Prior to the transformation, which followed several community meetings, Robyn says the factory building had become an eyesore.

When the society started its tenure there was “junk everywhere” inside.

While original wooden rafters remain, Robyn says significant strengthening of the existing walls had to be undertaken to meet required earthquake standards.

The building prior to it being done up.

Varied Displays

She says the society sought out objects and displays for three years prior to the opening of the heritage centre.

The facility also covers the “bigger picture” of Manawarū including the local primary school -which dates back to 1900 - community hall, three churches, a tennis club and playcentre.

At one time Manawarū boasted two grocery stores, a garage/service station, blacksmith and engineering businesses and a butchery.

Robyn Wade says displays in the heritage centre were sized to fit the venue, with a number also in storage in readiness for change on a rotational basis.

All items have been donated or are on loan from their respective owners.

Manawarū Heritage Centre committee member Alex Koch and secretary Robyn Wade. Photo: Steve Edwards.

“It provides a good taste of Manawarū history,” says Robyn.

She says when the Community View complex first opened it drew in a “local circle” of visitors.

This has now extended further afield, particularly through the development of the Hauraki Rail Trail, from Te Aroha to Matamata, which runs past the former factory.

The property also includes a motorhome parking area and picnic spot.

“We like to say our place is your place,” says Robyn.

The heritage centre is a non-profit operation run by volunteers.

It is open at weekends and by appointment.