The Nairns developed the first commercial vinery in Palmerston North, called Manawatu Vineries. John Nairn purchased the land, at what was then the end of College Street, in 1893 and grew tomatoes, grapes and cucumbers commercially. The business stayed in the Nairn family until a partnership was developed with C F Robinson in 1948, and was finally sold and the hot houses removed in 1959 to allow for residential development in the Awapuni area. The photograph shows the interior of the tomato house. It is said the Nairns hired the PNCC steam roller and steam sterilised the soil every 3-4 years.