The Lake Taupō Forest Trust traces its beginnings to the wisdom and courage of separate Ngāti Tūwharetoa landowners, who in the late 1960s could see the benefits of amalgamating their blocks into a commercial forestry venture for the benefit of generations to come.
Today the Trust owns or administers around 33,000 hectares of land on the eastern shores of Lake Taupō for the benefit of owners and their descendants.
About 24,000 hectares are planted which provides the trust with income, and a place for employment and for people to learn skills. Another important aspect is that the whenua is available for recreation for descendants and their families – to hunt, fish or explore.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa has been on these lands for 800-plus years, and has always nurtured and respected the land.
Our forestry operations reflect the priorities of the landowners and their role as kaitiaki. Environmental and cultural requirements have priority over commercial objectives but, in practice, all work well together for successful and sustainable land use.
These requirements, particularly the importance of protecting the region’s rivers and lakes, have resulted in around 35 per cent of the land remaining in bush buffers zones which surround the waterways.
Our trustees focus on land, cultural, social and charitable matters. Tupu Angitu was established as the Trust’s commercial arm in 2019, overseeing and growing the Trust’s commercial interests and asset base – now valued at more than $500 million.
On these pages you can find out more about our whenua and forests, and also the history, activities, benefits and news of the Trust’s activities.
He Pūtea Aroha Tangihanga Grant has been extended to include registered uri of Lake Taupō Forest Trust owners, providing financial support towards tangihanga expenses of up to $3,000 for registered owners and $1,000 for eligible uri.
Applications are now open for the Kōhanga Reo Capital Grant, providing $5,000 in financial support to eligible kōhanga reo in the Tūrangi and Taupō rohe towards capital projects and improvements.
Ko Mahuru tēnei, he tohu o te rangi, he tohu o te moana, he tohu o te whenua, otirā, he tohu Mahuru Māori. Kua whakatōngia ngā kākano, ā, kua tīmata te tupu.
