The Trust settled the purchase of a farm in Maromaku in June 2022. The farm is approximately 480 hectares in area and comprises a dairy unit, significant stands of native forest and two environmentally significant water ways. This whenua is significant in that while it faces into Taikirau, it backs onto Waiomio and this is therefore part of our Ngāti Hine heartland within the Motatau blocks.

The Trust utilised NZ Units (ETS) to fund the purchase of this whenua. Our intention is to establish an “Innovation hub” showcasing environmental standards, research and entrepreneurship. We have established a c.110 ha “carbon farm” on the property which will repay a portion of the NZ Units used to fund the acquisition. We have also established a native plant nursery which will support environmental research and restoration projects. There are a number of initiatives planned for Te Pae Tata and feedback from beneficial owners will help inform future plans.

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​Te Pae Tata nursery has been set up to collect Ngati Hine rohe sourced seeds/seedlings/cuttings and propagate healthy native and indigenous rākau for Ngati Hine Forestry Trust (NHFT) projects. The nursery was initially set up to provide seedlings for our native afforestation kaupapa, He Ringa Ahuwhenua, He Hanga Mahi. Beyond that, the nursery will be a hub not just for growing plants, but leading the way in educating our rangatahi drawing on mātauranga Māori. Through research and development, innovative ways to utilise these plants and trees outside of afforestation will also be explored to advance economic and environmental benefits NHFT shareholders have advocated for.