Book tribute to Tatua’s history
Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company kicked off its centenary celebrations in fine fashion last Sunday with the launch of a commemorative book.
More than 650 people attended the invitation-only function to mark the release of Tatua 100 Years, written by New Zealand business historian Dr Ian Hunter, at Oak Lane Lodge near Morrinsville.
Hunter said the book ‘‘rightly honours those that have gone before us’’ at the Piako-based business.
The Tatua story is also an important part of the history of the New Zealand dairy industry, he said. ‘‘The overnight success of Tatua was a hundred years in the making.’’
Innovation and independence have always been part of the Tatua strategy, Hunter said.
‘‘This is about the unity of Tatua people. It’s their heart and soul.’’
Long-time supplier and former director David Wilton said the book was a ‘‘wonderful journey’’ relating to both the company and the community. The Wilton family mark their own centenary next month.
Wilton said Tatua, a small and innovative dairy company, had a proud and successful history. ‘‘There is a closeknit relationship between suppliers and the company.’’
Tatua director and DairyNZ chair John Luxton said the company, which started with six pioneering families, had survived as a ‘‘proudly and fiercely’’ independent company.
Starting out with a cheese plant, the company turned to casein before heading into valued-added products such as its famous aerosol cream.
Luxton said Tatua, with an annual turnover approaching $300 million, continued to diversify today. The company has an office in Japan which marks its 10th anniversary this year.
‘‘A great team sells Tatua around the world,’’ Luxton said.
Colin Foster, general manager finance and administration, said there was a sense of pride in the company.
Employing almost 300 people, Tatua had an influence on the wider community, he said. ‘‘We are small and nimble.’’
Tatua chairman Steve Allen, whose family involvement in the area goes back to 1886, said the response to the book launch was incredible.
The book is a ‘‘fantastic tribute’’ to the company.
Tatua had always had a ‘‘can do’’ attitude, said Allen. ‘‘We are a little dairy company that can foot it with any dairy company in the world.’’
Other centenary events planned include Incorporation Day on June 30, a centenary celebration on November 7 and gala dinner the following evening.