Lichfield, New Zealand
Lichfield | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates: 38°06′18″S 175°49′05″E / 38.105°S 175.818°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato |
| Territorial authority | South Waikato District |
| Ward | Putāruru Ward |
| Electorate | Taupō (general) Te Tai Hauāuru (Māori) |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | South Waikato District Council |
| • Regional council | Waikato Regional Council |
| • Mayor of South Waikato | Gary Petley |
| • Taupō MP | Louise Upston |
| • Te Tai Hauāuru MP | Debbie Ngarewa-Packer |
| Area | |
• Total | 119.17 km2 (46.01 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 237 m (778 ft) |
| Population (2023 census) | |
• Total | 453 |
| • Density | 3.8/km2 (9.8/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode | 3482 |
| Area code | 07 |
Lichfield is a rural settlement in the South Waikato District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.
The community is centred around the Lichfield Fonterra facility, which opened in 1995. The factory features the largest cheese factory in the southern hemisphere, consisting of separate dry salt and brine salt plants. It also features the largest milk dryer in the world, installed during a major expansion in 2016. The dryer can process 30 metric tonnes of milk every hour, and store 40,000 metric tonnes of whole milk powder. The dryer is used during the peak season, with production varying based on prices. The Fonterra site employs 330 people, with extra staff being stationed there during installations. Almost 90% of the output travels by rail from a covered siding at the factory.
The local Lichfields Lands farm converted from sheep to dairy and beef farming in the 1960s. It is now an Open Brethren operation, donating its proceeds to charity.
South African-born artist Sonnett Olls opened an art gallery in Lichfield in 2019.
A Red Cross health shuttle transports Lichfield residents to health appointments in Tīrau.