New Zealand Portland Cement Works on Matakohe Island
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DescriptionWharf and building structures om the shore of Matakohe Island.
Leasing land on the island in 1848 from from the Parawhau hapū, Robert Carruth and Mathew Whitelaw established a limeworks, using local limestone. The limeworks were extended over time and later became a major local industry employing 270 people at its peak in the early 20th century.
Matakohe has been extensively planted in native fauna and is home to kiwi.
The name Matakohe was given to the island by local Maori in reference to its appearance as a headland when viewed from down the harbour - "Mata"- that was cloaked in kohekohe trees, hence "kohe".
Between 1846 and 1850 Robert Carruth shipped limestone to Auckland to be used for manufacturing slaked lime to satisfy the building boom.
In 1880 the quarry and cement works were re-established and in full production again by 1884.
In 1896 the works were leased to the Portland Cement Company who developed and extensively refurbished the works to meet demand.
By 1916 the cement works employed 260 workers and the island was home to over 200 people with its own school, tennis courts and hall.
Portland Cement moved to Portland in 1918 due to competition with other cement works and the dwindling supply of limestone.
Leasing land on the island in 1848 from from the Parawhau hapū, Robert Carruth and Mathew Whitelaw established a limeworks, using local limestone. The limeworks were extended over time and later became a major local industry employing 270 people at its peak in the early 20th century.
Matakohe has been extensively planted in native fauna and is home to kiwi.
The name Matakohe was given to the island by local Maori in reference to its appearance as a headland when viewed from down the harbour - "Mata"- that was cloaked in kohekohe trees, hence "kohe".
Between 1846 and 1850 Robert Carruth shipped limestone to Auckland to be used for manufacturing slaked lime to satisfy the building boom.
In 1880 the quarry and cement works were re-established and in full production again by 1884.
In 1896 the works were leased to the Portland Cement Company who developed and extensively refurbished the works to meet demand.
By 1916 the cement works employed 260 workers and the island was home to over 200 people with its own school, tennis courts and hall.
Portland Cement moved to Portland in 1918 due to competition with other cement works and the dwindling supply of limestone.
Location
Relates to
OrganisationsPortland Cement CompanyPlacesMatakohe Island
PlacesMatakohe IslandCopyright & Use
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New Zealand Portland Cement Works on Matakohe Island. Northland Room Digital Collections, accessed 31/05/2026, https://wdc.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/4899
