This small weir and concrete intake on the Waingongoro River (Cardiff Centennial Walkway, Opunake Rd, Cardiff) was constructed in 1918 to supply water to the Cardiff dairy factory, the school and community nearby. A ram - the remains can be seen alongside the river today - pumped the water up to 30 or so metres to the township.
The lower weir was built about 1933 to stop erosion below the top weir.
In 1911 a 'concrete whey drain' was constructed to get rid of surplus whey from the factory. This method was reputed to have caused contamination problems for the Eltham borough water supply taken from further downstream!
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