Toko

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Toko is a small rural settlement 10 km East of Stratford, at the intersection of East Road (SH 3) and Toko Road. Toko is surrounded by extremely fertile land, being located on the periphery of the Taranaki ringplain and adjacent to the Patea River. Dairy farming predominates the surrounding land use, with some sheep and beef farming in the steeper hill country. It is located on a railway, the Stratford - Okahukura Line, the western portion of which was operated as a branch line known as the Toko Branch prior to the line's completion.

[edit] History

Toko was established in the 1890s, and served as an important centre for the developing hinterland. The settlement took on the nature of a village, containing a railway station, a dairy factory, a church, a hall, a hotel, a sawmill, a trucking depot, a playcentre, a sports domain, and a number of other businesses and numerous dwellings. Toko School was established in 1893, and located on a site approximately 2 km east of Toko at the intersection of East Road and Waiwiri Road.

Like other rural centres, Toko went into decline in the latter part of the 20th century. The railway station, dairy facory and sawmill all closed. However the factory buildings are now used for an engineering business, and the church, hall, domian, hotel, trucking depot, and an automotive workshop are still being used for business and social activities.

[edit] Born in Toko

• John (Jack) Walter, All Black and Taranaki rugby football representative

[edit] Reference

• Church, Ian (1990), The Stratford Inheritance. Heritage Press Ltd., Waikanae, New Zealand.