A generational home since 1870.
The Rossburn story began in the 1870s, when the Ross family arrived from Scotland. They were the first to farm the land, planting an orchard of pear, plum, and apple trees from seeds they had brought with them. Many of those trees still stand today, a living reminder of the farm’s beginnings.
The original homestead and farm took its name from the Ross family and the Scottish word burn, meaning stream. Northbrook Stream, the clear waterway that sustained the farm, remains one of the most picturesque features of the landscape.
Spark Brothers
The Spark brothers, Bob, John and Richard, farmed Rossburn in partnership for 45 years.
50 years milking and 500 cows.
In 1942, the land passed to Harold and Margaret Spark, who established the dairy farm, with their three sons—Bob, John, and Richard—later joining them. The three brothers expanded both herd and farmland until they were milking over 500 cows. Together, they farmed here for more than 50 years.
As Rangiora has grown and suburban life has drawn closer, farming has become less practical on this land. Today, the Spark family—who all grew up here and share a deep connection to it—see Rossburn entering its next chapter.
Rossburn – Circa 1942
Harnessing up 'Geordie' the Clydesdale.
Each morning, after the Spark family’s 30 cows were milked outside the Little Loft, Geordie would haul the dray piled with 12-gallon milk cans down to the Cam River milk factory.
In this photo, six-year-old Bob—barefoot and in his patched trousers—stands alongside his older brothers, Harold and John.
Rossburn – Stewardship
From generational home to your family home.
“I have lived on this land since 1943, and for more than 80 years our family has farmed and cared for it. We hold a deep respect for its natural beauty and a strong connection to its history. Rangiora, with its proud heritage and close-knit community, has a bright future ahead. As we look forward while honouring the past, the time has come to share this special place with the next generation.” – Richard Spark
Northbrook Museum
Home to Rangiora heritage
Established by Richard Spark in 1985, Northbrook Museum stands as a tribute to Rangiora’s rural heritage. Spanning five buildings on the Rossburn farm, this private collection showcases one of the region’s most extensive displays of tractors and farm machinery, preserving the stories of a proud farming past.