“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?
Community Consultation Meeting Two
-
AGM 2025- Pencil in Saturday 8th of November as a tentative date for our next AGM.
-
-
-
-
As the echoes of the chainsaw quiet down, Hano Ormsby, a stalwart of King Country Forestry Services, is stepping back from the daily operations, heralding a new era for the family-run enterprise. In his place, his son Malcolm will take up the reins, continuing the legacy of dedication and service to the forestry industry. To commemorate this momentous transition, Rob Angus organized a celebratory golf day at the Kāwhia Golf Club on the 26th of June 2025.
The day was marked by the presence of notable community figures, including District Councilor for the Kawhia-Tihiroa Ward Kit Jeffries, Kāwhia Community Board chair Geoff Good, along with Major Nelson and the dedicated logging crew from Complete Logging. Hano’s family and friends, as well as Kenneth Riddell from TKI, gathered to honor his incredible journey.
Hano Ormsby Bids Farewell:
A New Chapter for King Country Forestry Services
Blessed with fair weather, albeit slightly cooler with a touch of wind, the participants divided into four groups to tackle the course. The air was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as golfers of varying skill levels took their places at the tee. Rob Angus set the tone for the day with a memorable opening drive, leaving everyone thrilled for the rounds ahead. Geoff Good played the perfect host, ensuring everyone was refreshed as he traversed the course.
After nine holes of spirited play, the golfers retired to the clubhouse, where a delicious BBQ and cold beers awaited. The highlight of the evening was Hano’s heartfelt speech, where he reminisced about his long-standing service in the forestry industry. With a sense of pride, he spoke of his involvement with the TKI forest since its early days and his privilege in witnessing the second rotation of trees being felled. He reminded everyone of the legacy he leaves behind, with the trees visible from the clubhouse windows serving as a testament to his life’s work. Remarkably, 2025 marks 50 years of Hano’s involvement with the TKI.
As for the golf? While skills varied widely, the essence of the day was about fellowship and the celebration of Hano’s illustrious career. The sentiment echoed was that "Golf was the winner on the day!" Although jested, the true victory lay in the gathering itself, a celebration of legacy and new beginnings.
As Hano steps into this new phase, TKI extends heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding service and contributions. The baton has been passed to Malcolm, who is well-prepared to steer King Country Forestry Services towards continued success. Here’s to Hano Ormsby, an exemplar of dedication and passion, and to the new chapter that awaits this cherished family and enterprise.
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.
