Templeton Flax Mill Heritage Museum

• Nationally recognised as New Zealand’s only authentic flax mill plant operating on its original 1940s site.

• Showcases 1860s to 1970s flax processing technology in particular flax milling in Southland. "The working museum, with its still operational stripper and scutcher provides outstanding insight into this once highly significant industry." - New Zealand Historic Places Trust

• A popular heritage attraction on the Riverton/ Aparima District Heritage Trail.

• Annual Museum open days are held for the Southland public to view live demonstrations of fibre processing. Usually held in March each year as part of Southland Heritage Month (cancelled 2022). These open days typically attract 300-400 visitors.

• In 2010 New Zealand Historic Places Trust gave the Templeton Flax Mill Category 1 recognition (see http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=7806).

• A brief timeline of the flax mill's operation: 1911 – William Templeton commenced flax milling at Otaitai Bush on a 2,000 acre property near Riverton 1924 – Andrew Templeton took over the operation 1943 – Fire destroyed scutcher shed, requiring new buildings 1943 – Andrew commissions new flax mill at Otanomomo, South Otago 1947 – Andrew’s son Des Templeton commenced work at Otaitai Bush 1971 – Otaitai Bush Flax Mill closes in December 1972 – Otanomomo Flax mill closes a few months later (The New Zealand Flax Milling Industry became uneconomic due to competition from overseas fibre and oil based synthetics).

• The Templeton Flax Milling Heritage Trust was formed in 2000 to restore Otaitai Bush flax mill under Chairman Desmond Templeton. The museum opened in 2004 after hundreds of volunteer hours restoring buildings and plant. Des was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to flax milling heritage just prior to his death in 2011.

• Acknowledging our funders: This heritage project has been made possible with the generous funding support of the following organisations: - Southland District Council - The Community Trust of Southland - Lottery Grants Board - Venture Southland - Southland Spirit of a Nation - The Stout Trust