In September 2024, the Noel Yarrow Puke Ariki Trust was transferred to Taranaki Foundation.

Established in 2011, the Trust was created to honour the memory of Noel Yarrow (1924–2008) and his commitment to the Taranaki community. Through its partnership with New Plymouth District Council and Puke Ariki, the Fund will continue to support Puke Ariki projects that enrich the region’s cultural and historical landscape.

A Legacy of Generosity

Noel Henry Yarrow, was born in Manaia on May 9 1924. He married Melva Stevenson in 1948 and together, they built a life centred on family, hard work, and a deep commitment to their community.

Noel took over the family bakery business from his parents and helped nurture and transform this Manaia based business into the largest family-owned bakery in New Zealand and a multimillion-dollar company.

Noel Yarrow at their family owned bakery

Despite his business success, Noel remained deeply connected to his roots. He and Melva were known for their generosity and strong sense of social responsibility, which they demonstrated through decades of support for local schools, sports teams and community initiatives.

He once reflected, “Our greatest achievement has been to provide a large amount of work for young people in the area and, really, to start these people off with the standards Melva and I have had.”

Continuing the Vision for the Noel Yarrow Puke Ariki Trust

Puke Ariki, New Plymouth’s flagship museum and library, inspires creativity and enriches lives by promoting the heritage of Taranaki and connecting local people and visitors to new ideas and other cultures from around the world. Since its opening in 2003, Puke Ariki has welcomed thousands of visitors each year.

Now under the stewardship of Taranaki Foundation, the Noel Yarrow Puke Ariki Legacy Fund will uphold the vision and values of Noel Yarrow, ensuring his generosity endures for generations to come. This Fund will provide ongoing investment in meaningful projects that benefit the wider community—just as Noel and Melva Yarrow always intended.

The Fund will provide support for exhibitions, educational programmes, research initiatives, and community engagement activities—strengthening Puke Ariki’s role as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and connection and innovation.

Inspiring Future Generations

The Yarrow family’s generosity serves as a powerful example of how philanthropy can shape and strengthen a community. Their story is one of hard work, innovation, and deep-rooted care for Taranaki. Through the Yarrow Legacy Fund, their remarkable contribution to the region continues.

 

Photo credits: Taranaki Daily News