Hopkirk Family Farm, at Makahu, History
The first Hopkirks in the Makahu District were brothers James Alexander Daniel Hopkirk and John Joseph(Jack) Hopkirk
For a quick understanding of how the holdings grew over the years, click on the various links below:
Makahu 1898.
This shows the original section #5, now known as sections #30, #31,
& #32, which has been the land holding of the FORD Family for over
120 years.
Makahu 1898. This shows the various owners of the land that would eventually become the Hopkirk Family Farm
Makahu 1921.
This shows that by 1921 brothers James and Jack had purchased section
23 and Jack had also purchased sections 11, 12, 14 & 15.
Makahu 1941.
This shows that by 1941 Jack has bought out his brother James' interest
in section 23 and has also acquired section 16. The Jack and Celia
Hopkirk family homestead is located on section 23, in the area next to section #6 owned by John Coyne. This is where Jack and Celia raised their 5 childrten.
Makahu 1971.
This shows that by 1971 Jack has sold his holdings off to two of his
sons. Jim and Molly Hopkirk now own sections 11, 12, 14, 15 and 23,
while Don & Eila Hopkirk now own sections 2, 4, 6, 13, & 16. As
noted above, section 23 was the location of the original Jack and Celia
Hopkirk Family home where they raised their 5 children. All that
remains today is the chimney, as the house was demolished in May 1995.
Jim and Molly built their own home next to the old family
homestead. Don and Eila lived in the old Kopke home on section
16. This home was enlarged by moving the old Coyne home from
section 13, just across Murcott Road, and attaching it to their
existing home.
Makahu 2001.
This shows that Don & Eila have purchased most of his brother Jim's
holdings. Jim retained a small parcel, generally the darkened area
between sections 6 and 23 on the map. Jim retained the location of his
home, and the remains of the old family home. Jim had created a
beautiful garden, known as the "Hopkirk Gardens". The garden included
the old chimney and a beautiful waterfall. The sign pointing to Hopkirk Gardens
is still standing at the intercetion of Brewer Road and Upper Mangaehu
Road, near the Makahu School. In 2001 Don and Eila sold off sections 4
and 6 to their son and his wife.
Below is a more detailed description of the Ford & Hopkirk Family holdings in Makahu, along with some old photos..
Patrick and Elwyn Ford.
They arrived on New Years Day, 1898. They acquired the original section
#5. It is now known as sections #30, #31 & #32. See the link for more details.
Sections 6, 4 & 2. This lists the various owners of these three parcels from the mid-1890's to the present.
Sections 2, 16 & 13
This explains that the Makahu Trig point is situated on section #2, at
1287 feet elevation. Also on second #2 is a giant Rimu tree about
halfway up the hill. This section was called Rimu, but now all the
Hopkirk property is called Rimu. This also explains how the original
house built by John Coyne on section #13, was later moved and added to
the Don & Eila Hopkirk home on section #16 in 1972.
Section 23
This explains about section #23 being the original parcel purchased by
brothers Jim and Jack Hopkirk.But Jim had to give up working on the
farm in 1927 due to poor health related to gas inhalation during World
War I. In 1996 Jim and Molly Hopkirk split off a small portion of this
parcel, located along the border with section #6, and sold the rest of
the parcel to his brother Don. Jim retained his home built in 1962, the
Hopkirk Gardens, and the area containing the chimney from the original
Hopkirk homestead built by his parents..
Section 11, 12, 15 and 14. This shows ownership for these 4 sections
Section 22 This page finishes up information about secion 14. Section 22 was designated a "State Forest" in 1907.
Don & Eila Hopkirk home on section #16 as of 1953, with John Coyne home off to the right, on section #13.
Don & Eila's home with the John Coyne house now added on.
Don & Eila's home
Mishaps on Hopkirk's bridge
Mishaps on Hopkirk's bridge
The old home of Augustine and Margaret Coyne, built in 1910
As of 2001 the A & M Coyne property was now the home of William and Samantha Hopkirk
Jim & Molly Hopkirk homeas of 1980
Jack Hopkirk home from 1921. This home no longer exists.
Jack and Celia Hopkirk home as of 1945
Jack and Celia Hopkirk home as of 1955
Jack and Celia Hopkirk home as of 1980
Steven and Linda Morrison home in 1980
Steven and Linda Morrison home
Old Red Bridge in 1980
New and Old Red Bridge
Clearing a slip - 1937
Repairing swing bridge in 1926
Off to work - 1925
Return to Jack and Celia Hopkirk page
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This page last updated on 12 May 2015