The Hawkes Bay Farmers Meat Company, generally known as Whakatu, was established in 1915 and became the largest meat-processing plant in the country.
For many freezing workers it was regarded as the "university of hard knocks".
Its main business was the slaughter and processing of sheep and beef and this provided employment for local whānau. Whakatu was also a focus for identity and friendship for workers, their whānau and the wider community.
The Whakatu community built itself around the plant to approximately 90 homes that are all privately owned.
On Friday October 10, 1986, Whakatu closed and all workers were laid off, affecting the whole Hawke's Bay region.