About Us
Ngārua Quarry on Tākaka Hill
A Piece of New Zealand's Industrial Heritage
Historical Background
The quarrying activity on Tākaka Hill dates back to 1915, when marble was first extracted from Henderson’s quarry for the construction of New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings.
In 1934, Tasman McKee acquired the lease of a quarry near Ngārua, leading to the formation of Lime and Marble Ltd in 1938. In 1950, a crusher was installed at the plant to break down large rocks, increasing the quarry’s product capacity. This technological advancement allowed the company to meet growing demand across various industries.
The company later became part of the TNL Group before being sold to Mintech. It was then sold to Omya, one of the largest industrial producers of industrial limestone in the world. It then sold the asset as a lime production plant only to Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-Op Ltd. In October 2024 it was purchased by Taylors Contracting, bringing the quarry back into local ownership by an established, family-owned business.
Contribution to Agriculture
Ngārua Quarry has long played a vital role in agriculture. Marble, when processed into agricultural lime, enhances soil quality, helping farmers cultivate crops more effectively and increase yields.
The quarry extracted approximately 20,000 tonnes of marble annually during its peak years, with calcium-rich lime neutralising soil acidity and boosting farmland fertility across New Zealand. This made it essential to sustainable farming practices, allowing many farmers to rely on the quarry’s output to improve land productivity.
Ngārua Lime is renowned for its purity. It contains 98% calcium carbonate which is ground fine and regularly tested to meet the specifications for the industry.
Role in Glass Production
Ngārua Quarry’s marble has been a crucial component in glass production. Rich in calcium carbonate, it was an ideal component for crystal glass production.
The quarry served as a primary supplier to glassworks in both Christchurch and Auckland, shipping approximately 6,000 tonnes of marble annually. Marble from the quarry was crucial for meeting the demand for glass products during the 20th century, contributing to New Zealand’s growing glass industry.
Impact on Construction
Ngārua Quarry's contributions extend to the construction sector as well. The marble’s durability and aesthetic appeal made it a popular choice for architectural projects.
Notably, marble from Tākaka hill was used in the cladding of the Beehive, the executive wing of New Zealand's Parliament, and in other historic parliamentary buildings completed in 1922. The unique grey-and-brown banding of this marble has made it popular for architectural purposes, with several commercial structures in Wellington incorporating it.
Additionally, Tākaka marble has been used in industrial applications, contributing to lime production and various construction materials.
Ngārua Quarry stands as a significant piece of New Zealand's industrial heritage, continuing to play a vital role in agriculture, glass production, and construction.
Beyond its economic contributions, the quarry also supported a community of workers, with on-site housing provided in the 1950s to ensure a steady workforce. Its ongoing contributions reinforce its importance to both the local community and the broader national economy.
References
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (n.d.-b). Rock, limestone, and clay – sources of limestone. https://teara.govt.nz/en/rock-limestone-and-clay/page-5
The Prow. (n.d.). The lime and marble of Tākaka Hill. https://www.theprow.org.nz/places/the-lime-and-marble-of-takaka-hill/
Turley, C. (n.d.). Rock and hard places. River Press.
Contact
Mark Simkin, Ngārua Quarry Manager | Ph: 021 900 426 | Email: mark@ngarua.co.nz