Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust

2026 Horticulture Finalists

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust

Field day: Thursday 23 April - Kerikeri

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust is an Ahu Whenua Trust grounded in whakapapa, whenua and a long-term vision for prosperity that benefits both current and future generations – ‘He Whenua Hua, He Tangata Ora’.

Established in 1974, the Trust holds approximately 6,000 hectares of lands centred alongside the rural towns of Moerewa and Kawakawa, with offices in Whangārei and Moerewa. The Trust has over 6,000 registered owners represented by seven Trustees who govern the Trust under the authority of a Trust Order pursuant to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993. The Trust has substantial interests in forest leases, kiwifruit orchards in Kerikeri, a manuka honey and pollination operation, dairy farms, carbon crops and a natives nursery. Wealth creation through these and other interests has seen the Trust assets grow in value over time. While forestry remains central to the Trust’s asset base, its kiwifruit operations have emerged as an example of strategic diversification, strong governance and operational excellence in the primary sector.

The Trust’s six kiwifruit orchards in Kerikeri – Waipapa is comprised of 49 hectares of land with 32 hectares of Zespri SunGold G3 kiwifruit canopy. Paparata, Te Tara Kowhai and Te Ara Kopeka orchards were purchased by the Trust in 2004. Ahuareka was purchased in December 2006, Pukerau in December 2018 and Ahikiwi in November 2020.

The Trust’s kiwifruit orchards reflect a deliberate move into high-value horticulture, leveraging land capability and commercial partnerships to build a resilient and future-focused enterprise. Situated in Northland, the orchards demonstrate that kiwifruit production can succeed outside traditional growing regions when underpinned by robust planning, skilled management and a commitment to best practice.

All of the orchards have lease and supply agreements with Seeka Limited. Since 2023, the Trust is also engaged by Seeka as a contractor whereby the Trust directly employs 13 staff including its own orchard manager, to undertake work on the Trust’s orchards. Over time, the Trust is strengthening its internal operational capability and systems to support more active involvement in the management of its orchards. The Trust’s orchard staff are studying towards Levels 3 & 4 horticulture qualifications, alongside specific management training through the Seeka cadetship programme.

Operationally, Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust places strong emphasis on health and safety, environmental stewardship and people capability. The orchards are managed with a clear understanding that commercial success and kaitiakitanga go hand in hand. Sustainable land use, careful water management and responsible inputs are integral to day-to-day decision-making, supporting long-term soil health and ecosystem resilience.

Governance plays a critical role in the success of the kiwifruit business. Trustees, past and present, bring a long-term intergenerational lens, balancing commercial performance with cultural, social and environmental outcomes. Clear separation between governance and management allows the team to focus on operational excellence, while the Trust maintains strategic oversight and accountability to its beneficiaries.

Financially, the kiwifruit orchards contribute diversified income streams that enhance the overall resilience of the Trust’s portfolio. Returns from horticulture help buffer against commodity cycles and provide capital for reinvestment across the Trust’s wider activities. This diversification strengthens the Trust’s ability to support marae, education, cultural initiatives and future development opportunities.

Grounded in the kaupapa of ‘He Ringa Ahuwhenua, He Hanga Mahi’, Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust’s kiwifruit business is about more than just growing fruit — it is growing capability, confidence and enduring prosperity for generations to come.

Key contact: Heidi Mackey, CEO: heidi.mackey@ngatihine.maori.nz / 021 113 3305