More than 250 people gathered for the nursery’s official opening at Rerewhakaaitu. Photo / Supplied
More than 250 people gathered for the nursery’s official opening at Rerewhakaaitu. Photo / Supplied
Kaingaroa Timberlands has a new name, and a new nursery.
The rebrand to Kaingaroa Tipu was unveiled at the opening of a new 145-hectare tree nursery at Rerewhakaaitu, southeast of Rotorua, attended by staff and guests on Thursday.
Kaingaroa Tipu unites Kaingaroa Timberlands, Timberlands, and Forest Genetics under one cohesivebrand, a statement from the organisation said.
“This is more than a name change; it’s the new story of where we are headed,” chief executive Ryan Cavanagh said.
“Kaingaroa Tipu represents our intent to grow better wood products, better jobs, and a better environment, every day. It’s a promise to our iwi partners, our contractors and our customers that we are here to grow with purpose, together.”
Board chair Jon Hartley at the nursery opening. Photo / Supplied
Kaingaroa Tipu board chairman Jon Hartley said the Kaingaroa Forest Estate was a much-treasured living resource and the rebrand honoured the forest’s legacy built by generations of mahi.
The goal was to deliver improved value and better environmental outcomes, he said in the statement.
The Rerewhakaaitu Nursery was officially opened by Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell.
The site will grow tree stocks that support sustainable forest management across the 215,000-hectare Kaingaroa Forest Estate.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell cuts the ribbon to officially open the Rerewhakaaitu Nursery. Photo / Supplied
Work to convert the former dairy farm began in 2021 and includes nursery beds, a packing shed, office and a purpose-built staff facility to support the seasonal workforce of up to 100 people during peak production periods.
The nursery’s first crop includes 6 million cuttings and 50,000 trial seedlings, with up to 3.6 million trees expected to be dispatched next year for planting.
Further infrastructure is planned, such as cool storage and future containerised growing facilities, ensuring Rerewhakaaitu Nursery can expand as demand for trees increases.
The new visual identity of Kaingaroa Tipu incorporates elements of the lunar cycle, symbolising regeneration and the daily rhythm of forest life.
