The former Tikorangi Dairy Factory complex in northern Taranaki served its original function from the late nineteenth century until 1961, then became a residence and workplace for acclaimed photographer and activist Fiona Clark in 1975. It comprises a complex of buildings and structures, with the former factory building – a gabled industrial building dating from 1897 – at its centre. The complex is of architectural and historical significance. It is an important reminder of the centrality of the dairy industry in Taranaki and is a remnant of the national trend towards cooperative dairy companies, whose organisational structures meant contributing farmers were also shareholders. Modified during its working life to accommodate new machinery and product processing, the factory reflects the industry’s twentieth-century growth and willingness to adopt new technology. The factory assisted Tikorangi’s development and was a hub of social interaction. Little altered since its closure, the complex’s value is further strengthened through its successful reuse and association with Clark, ‘a socially concerned photographer’ whose work demonstrates how photography can be a source of empowerment for marginalised people.
Tikorangi is within the rohe of Te Ātiawa, one of several tribes descended from Awanuiarangi, the son of Rongoueroa and Tamarau-te-heketanga-a-rangi. Physical evidence of tangata whenua occupation near what became known as Tikorangi includes the remains of Awa-te-Take pā. Organised Pākehā settlement of Taranaki began in 1841 and it was efforts to acquire land that ultimately caused war to break out in 1860. Māori land in Taranaki was confiscated in the 1860s and a government-led policy of settlement began. Tikorangi, initially regarded by Pākehā as ‘a dreary waste of fern land and tutu’, was settled by North Taranaki volunteers who were allocated land in 1865.
Dairy farming formed the basis of Taranaki’s economy from the 1880s, with the region being climatically and topographically suited for this industry. While some sources suggest Tikorangi’s dairy factory started operating as early as the mid-1860s, by 1886 it occupied ‘a small wooden building with very primitive appliances’. It was situated near a stand of Pūriri trees and is close to the springs of the Parahaki Stream, which provided a supply of fresh water. The Tikorangi Co-operative Dairy Company was formed in 1895. Many of Taranaki’s early timber factories were destroyed by fire and it is believed that Tikorangi’s met this fate and was rebuilt in 1897. The earliest dairy factories were typically timber, but concrete was more commonly used from the early 1900s. Vast development and growth in the industry necessitated improvements at Tikorangi, with those completed in 1934 being ‘so extensive as to practically give the company a new factory’. Changes included a spacious making room with skylights and bullnose ridge ventilation, three stages, and a freezing chamber for butter. The ‘up-to-date’ and ‘splendid factory’ could double its output, and its community value is evidenced by 300 people attending the reopening ceremony. Further changes were made in the 1950s, including the construction of staff tearooms. Improvements in transport, infrastructure and technology, however, led to dairy cooperatives entering a series of amalgamations, resulting in the formation of the nationwide company Fonterra in 2001. The Tikorangi Company ceased operations in 1961, and the former factory was sold several times prior to being acquired by Clark.
Clark has maintained and modified the complex’s buildings. The former freezing chamber is Clark’s darkroom, with the thick walls ensuring a constant temperature, and the former salt room is a store and printing room. Concerning her photography, Clark has stated her ‘intent is to give people a voice’, especially those not usually included in New Zealand’s visual record, including the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Her photography also documents protests against the exploitation of natural resources and efforts by Te Ātiawa to preserve traditional fishing grounds. The complex’s original and current uses both contribute to its significance, and they are intertwined. Clark has found ‘[s]ome days it still smells like milk. You’re always reminded of its history.’
Tikorangi is within the rohe of Te Ātiawa, one of several tribes descended from Awanuiarangi, the son of Rongoueroa and Tamarau-te-heketanga-a-rangi. Physical evidence of tangata whenua occupation near what became known as Tikorangi includes the remains of Awa-te-Take pā. Organised Pākehā settlement of Taranaki began in 1841 and it was efforts to acquire land that ultimately caused war to break out in 1860. Māori land in Taranaki was confiscated in the 1860s and a government-led policy of settlement began. Tikorangi, initially regarded by Pākehā as ‘a dreary waste of fern land and tutu’, was settled by North Taranaki volunteers who were allocated land in 1865.
Dairy farming formed the basis of Taranaki’s economy from the 1880s, with the region being climatically and topographically suited for this industry. While some sources suggest Tikorangi’s dairy factory started operating as early as the mid-1860s, by 1886 it occupied ‘a small wooden building with very primitive appliances’. It was situated near a stand of Pūriri trees and is close to the springs of the Parahaki Stream, which provided a supply of fresh water. The Tikorangi Co-operative Dairy Company was formed in 1895. Many of Taranaki’s early timber factories were destroyed by fire and it is believed that Tikorangi’s met this fate and was rebuilt in 1897. The earliest dairy factories were typically timber, but concrete was more commonly used from the early 1900s. Vast development and growth in the industry necessitated improvements at Tikorangi, with those completed in 1934 being ‘so extensive as to practically give the company a new factory’. Changes included a spacious making room with skylights and bullnose ridge ventilation, three stages, and a freezing chamber for butter. The ‘up-to-date’ and ‘splendid factory’ could double its output, and its community value is evidenced by 300 people attending the reopening ceremony. Further changes were made in the 1950s, including the construction of staff tearooms. Improvements in transport, infrastructure and technology, however, led to dairy cooperatives entering a series of amalgamations, resulting in the formation of the nationwide company Fonterra in 2001. The Tikorangi Company ceased operations in 1961, and the former factory was sold several times prior to being acquired by Clark.
Clark has maintained and modified the complex’s buildings. The former freezing chamber is Clark’s darkroom, with the thick walls ensuring a constant temperature, and the former salt room is a store and printing room. Concerning her photography, Clark has stated her ‘intent is to give people a voice’, especially those not usually included in New Zealand’s visual record, including the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Her photography also documents protests against the exploitation of natural resources and efforts by Te Ātiawa to preserve traditional fishing grounds. The complex’s original and current uses both contribute to its significance, and they are intertwined. Clark has found ‘[s]ome days it still smells like milk. You’re always reminded of its history.’
