“Access to Ocean Beach’s Te Puia Hot Springs in the early days by Kāwhia residents was over the dunes of black sand that was slowly inching its way into the township until the early 1960s when this pine forest was established by the Crown to prevent any further encroachment of sand onto Kāwhia. Prior to the first harvest in the late 1990s the proprietors of Tainui Kāwhia Inc., one of the first Māori landowners, purchased Crown’s interest in the exotic trees covering some 1,000 hectares.
The more than eight hundred shareholders own the whenua for the benefit of future generations”.
Derek Wooster
Welcome to
Tainui Kāwhia
Incorporation
Who are we
and what do we do?
Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation (TKI) stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the land and its people, managing a significant expanse of commercial pine forest in Kāwhia. This incorporation, steered by a dedicated committee of management, not only oversees forestry operations but also holds commercial properties in the bustling city of Auckland. With an eye towards sustainable development, TKI has delved into the potential of mineral extraction from the iron-rich sands of Kāwhia, exploring avenues that could bolster the local economy while honoring the stewardship of the land. The incorporation's proactive approach in seeking new opportunities promises exciting developments, poised to enhance the prosperity of its shareholders and the wider community.
What’s Happening
at TKI?
Click on the image to learn more
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AGM 2025- Pencil in Saturday 8th of November as a tentative date for our next AGM.
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TKI’s Forestry Manager Speaks to the King Country News
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TKI’s Forestry Manager Speaks to the King Country News ...
Waikato District Enters Prohibited Fire Season
Effective from 07/03/2025, the Waikato District (including Kāwhia and the surrounding areas) will officially enter a Prohibited Fire Season. This decision comes as fire risk thresholds have been met across several areas, despite cooler mornings and the onset of autumn.
Key points to note:
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No Open-Air Fires: Lighting fires in open air is strictly prohibited, and all previously issued permits have been suspended.
- Exceptions: Some fire types remain authorized during this period, provided all conditions outlined in the regulations are met. For details, refer to the authorized fire types list.
- Duration: The prohibition will remain in place until the district receives consistent and reasonable rainfall. Certain areas may have restrictions eased earlier than others based on local conditions.
We urge everyone to prioritize safety and adhere to these restrictions to protect our communities and environment. For inquiries or further information, please contact your local Group Manager (FENZ).
Stay vigilant and help us reduce fire risks! Together, we can keep Waikato safe.
Update 18/04/2025
This covers the Hamilton City, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Otorohanga, Thames-Coromandel, Waikato, Waipa and Waitomo Districts.
An Open Fire Season means people can light outdoor fires without a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, however we remind everyone they are responsible for ensuring that any fires they light are well controlled and safe.
Remember-If you see smoke or fire in the forest
Call 111 Immediately
TKI’s Forestry Manager Speaks to the King Country News
Interviewed by Chris Gardner of the King Country News [Issue-April 3rd, 2025], Hano speaks of the danger posed by “boy-racers” doing burnouts in the TKI Forest.
Quote “Tainui Kāwhia Forest manager Hano Ormsby fears boy racer burnouts in Kāwhia’s Ocean Beach car park could spark a forest fire that spreads to the village.”
Hano also goes on to talk about the lack of a permanent police presence in Kāwhia.
To learn more, click on the image.
