Tolly Farm originally began life over a century ago as a truck stop, a focal point for the local community to transact their goods, with the current cattery building being used to store hay. The property was owned by the long established Currie family at the time, and in 1910 it was used as a shelter from the law for the notorious criminal Joseph Pawelka, who escaped several times from police custody in pursuit of the Ashhurst woman he married and loved. By the end of the man hunt for him two men were dead, and his whereabouts was never determined.

Micheal Jackson, a New Zealand Poet and fiction writer have written a book on the most sensational news story of 1910, called The Blind Impress (Dunmore Press).

Following these dramatic beginnings, the property was purchased by Brian and Ilsa Surgenor who founded Tolly Farm as a breeding facility for British Blue cats, and Corgi dogs. Brian and Ilsa raised their young family and lived here for thirty years, before handing over the reins to the Shannon family. Simone Morrison and family purchased the property in 2002.

Since taking over the business Simone has improved much of the property, carrying out extensive refurbishment of the buildings and surrounding acreage. The indoor cattery section of the business has been completely refurbished to meet, and in many cases exceed New Zealand animal welfare guidelines. A third outdoor dog run has been added, allowing more flexibility and choice in how dogs are accommodated and exercised. Plans are underway to refurbish the outdoor cat runs, offering up market chalet accomodation.

Tolly Farm has certainly come a long way since it's humble beginnings. With such a long history, we plan to be here for some time to come.