Last updated October 2026
Smithfield is an industrial area north of central Timaru, adjacent to Bridge Street and the Showgrounds retail complex. The area was historically dominated by the Alliance Group’s Smithfield freezing works, one of New Zealand’s oldest meat processing plants.
The plant operated for 138 years before closing at the end of 2024. The 32.4-hectare site was sold in 2025, with redevelopment potential noted by marketing materials.
Official Suburb Facts
- Land area
- 0.50 km² (50 ha)
- Location
- 3.0 km north of central Timaru
- Council
- Timaru District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Washdyke, Waimataitai, Oceanview
- Ward or local board
- Timaru Ward (Timaru District Council)
- Getting there
- Bridge Street and Bridge Road, close to State Highway 1
- Main shopping
- Showgrounds retail complex, beside Bridge Street
- Nearby landmarks
- Former Smithfield freezing works site, PrimePort Timaru
Schools in Smithfield
There is no school inside the Smithfield boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Smithfield
Show all 5 zoned schools
Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Smithfield
by 6am on collection day
Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Streets in Smithfield
1 street is in Smithfield. Search any street in Timaru to see which suburb it is in.
- B
- Bridge Road
A long road is listed in each suburb it runs through.
Safety and Hazards
Weather and Rent at a Glance
City-wide figures.
About Smithfield
Smithfield takes its name from the Smithfield freezing works, which was established as the Timaru Freezing Wor...
Smithfield takes its name from the Smithfield freezing works, which was established as the Timaru Freezing Works and began operations in the 1885-86 season. The plant became one of the largest meat processing facilities in South Canterbury and played a significant role in Timaru’s economy for over a century, processing sheep, beef and deer for export.
The Alliance Group’s Smithfield plant ceased operations at the end of 2024 after 138 years, resulting in the loss of around 600 jobs. The closure followed declining livestock numbers and weaker demand for red meat. The 32.4-hectare site was subsequently sold in 2025.
The area remains an industrial and commercial zone north of the Timaru CBD, with proximity to retail and transport links supporting ongoing activity beyond the former plant.
Historical Significance
The Smithfield freezing works was part of New Zealand’s early refrigerated meat export industry.
The Smithfield freezing works was part of New Zealand’s early refrigerated meat export industry. This technology transformed South Canterbury farming from subsistence to export-oriented production in the late 19th century. The plant’s long operation, from 1885 to 2024, made it one of the longer-running industrial sites in the region.
Current Status and Redevelopment
The former Alliance Smithfield site at 15 Bridge Road was placed on the market in early 2025 and sold later that year.
The former Alliance Smithfield site at 15 Bridge Road was placed on the market in early 2025 and sold later that year. Marketing described the 32.4-hectare property as offering redevelopment opportunities, with industrial zoning, infrastructure including power supply and rail access, and proximity to State Highway 1 and PrimePort Timaru.
Helpful Resources
RNZ: Report on the 2024 closure of the Alliance Smithfield plant after 138 years.
RNZ: Report on the 2024 closure of the Alliance Smithfield plant after 138 years.
The Press: Coverage of the 2025 sale of the former Smithfield site.
Heritage New Zealand: Historical context on the Smithfield area and early freezing works.
Near Smithfield
Just outside Smithfield, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Explore all Timaru businesses
Frequently Asked Questions About Smithfield
Which schools are zoned for Smithfield?
The zones of Grantlea Downs School, St Joseph's School (Timaru), Craighead Diocesan School, Mountainview High School and Roncalli College cover all of Smithfield. Zones change, so check an address with the school. See Schools in Smithfield
What day is rubbish collected in Smithfield?
Thursday. Bins go out by 6am on collection day. Streets near the edge of the suburb can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure. See Bin Day in Smithfield
Is Smithfield in a tsunami or flood zone?
About 50% of Smithfield is inside the tsunami evacuation zone, and about 40% of its land is in the council's mapped flood areas. A long or strong earthquake means move to high ground or inland straight away. Check a street on the council flood map before you buy. See Safety and Hazards
Which suburbs are next to Smithfield?
How far is Smithfield from central Timaru?
About 3 km north of central Timaru, measured in a straight line.
What was the Smithfield freezing works?
A major meat processing plant established in the mid-1880s and operated by the Alliance Group. It ran for 138 years before closing at the end of 2024, with about 600 jobs lost.
Is the Smithfield plant still operating?
No. The Alliance Group Smithfield plant closed at the end of 2024. The 32.4-hectare site was sold in 2025.
What is the historical significance of Smithfield?
The freezing works was part of New Zealand's early refrigerated meat export industry, which transformed South Canterbury farming in the late 19th century.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Timaru only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Smithfield is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Sources and data notes 6
- Official Suburb Facts: Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
- Schools in Smithfield: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), November 2026.
- Bin Day in Smithfield: Timaru District Council collection areas.
- Streets in Smithfield: LINZ NZ Addresses road data, CC BY 4.0.
- Safety and Hazards: Environment Canterbury tsunami evacuation zones (2026); Timaru District Plan flood assessment area.
- Weather and Rent at a Glance: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026.