HistoryThe Taumata/Ashley Downs area is situated 8kms north-east of Clinton. John Gibson established the Ashley Downs run in 1869. A large staff of teamsters and shepherds were employed on the estate including many Chinese. The run was subdivided in 1907/1908 and blocks were drawn by ballot. The Ashley Downs school was built in 1891 and in 1901 became know as the Taumata School. This school closed in 1946, however an extension was added to turn it into a community hall. While the area was traditionally sheep farms, today this has diversified to include beef, dairy and deer farms.
