Awanui Dairy Factory – Far North NZ artwork

Description

Capturing the rural decline of the 1990’s, the Far North NZ artwork evokes the ethos of the local people that they will strive and endure. The painting is of the riverside loading dock at the former Awanui Dairy Factory. Coastal freighters like the Union Steamship Company vessel, the Clansman, would dock and load up with processed dairy products from the factory, as well as other local produce.  Established in 1911, the factory quickly became the lifeblood of the Awanui community. The factory provided employment opportunities and a vital market for local dairy farmers.

Awanui’s dairy products quickly gained a reputation for excellence, not just in New Zealand, but also across the Tasman Sea. The factory’s butter, cheese, and powdered milk were even shipped to Australia. This success brought prosperity to the region, and the Awanui Dairy Factory became a symbol of pride for the local community.

However, as the 20th century progressed, the dairy industry faced new challenges. The Awanui Dairy Factory, like many others across the country, struggled to adapt to these changing times. Despite these challenges, the factory remained a vital part of the Awanui community for many years. The workers, many of whom were second or third-generation employees, were deeply committed to the factory’s legacy.

In the 1990s, after more than 80 years of operation, the Awanui Dairy Factory ceased production. The factory’s buildings still stand, a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of those who built and operated it. And the memories of those who worked there, the friendships forged, and the challenges overcome, continue to be cherished by the Awanui community.

Painted by Alan Litchfield in 2003.