Field to Table: The Pukekohe Dehydration Factory

Step back into wartime Pukekohe and uncover the story of the Pukekohe Dehydration Factory, built under urgency during the Second World War to help feed United States forces fighting across the Pacific. Equipped with cutting-edge technology for vegetable dehydration, quick-freezing, canning, and cool storage, the factory operated around the clock at its peak.

It drew produce from state-run gardens and local growers, with women forming the backbone of both field and factory work.

The story extends to a network of interconnected places, including the nearby factory workers' camp and supporting infrastructure. Heritage specialist Cara Francesco presents this fascinating chapter of Pukekohe's history, including what became of the factory in the post-war years.