Save the Larnach Byre

The Larnach Byre is set in a nationally important early agricultural relict landscape surrounding Hereweka Harbour Cone. Built in the early 1870’s, it is one of only four of the early timber buildings to survive. Byres were built by the early Pakeha settlers with stalls to house cattle overnight (until it was realised that this was not necessary in New Zealand) and they doubled as milking sheds.

If it is to continue standing and become safe to visit, the Hereweka Harbour Cone Management Trust needs to undertake urgent repairs. $40,000 has already been raised to begin the work, but a further $45,150 is required. If you wish to see the byre remain standing, please assist.

The Larnach Byre is a visible symbol of William Larnach’s lesser-known agricultural activities. The Byre was part of his model dairy farm - operating beside the Castle - the only one of that farm’s buildings to survive. Larnach himself was managing director of the NZ Refrigeration Company when it sent the first shipment of frozen meat from NZ to Britain. He imported stud livestock of all kinds and was the first president of the local A&P Association.

Walter Riddell built a house and farm buildings, including the byre, for Larnach, before project managing Larnach’s Castle. He was involved in the early co-operative dairy companies and became a pivotal figure in the export of butter.

As well as being a picturesque building, the Larnach Byre is an important part of our heritage and landscape.