| Decision | Consent granted Section 12(1)(a) Overseas Investment Act 2005 |
|---|---|
| Decision maker | Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand |
| Decision date | 29 April 2026 |
| Pathway | Benefit to New Zealand (Benefit to New Zealand - Farm to Forestry conversion) |
| Investment | Acquisition of a freehold interest in approximately 360 hectares of land located at 139 Clareinch Road, Omakere, Hawke’s Bay. |
| Consideration | Withheld under section 9(2)(b)(ii) of the Official Information Act 1982 |
| Applicant | Kauri Forestry LP Switzerland 65% Germany 35% |
| Vendors | John Geoffrey Kerr and Beverley Helen Kerr New Zealand 100% |
| Background | The Applicant is a New Zealand limited partnership which is part of the Craigmore Sustainables Group. It is a forestry and horticulture investment vehicle which currently holds a significant amount of land in New Zealand for forestry investment purposes. The Applicant is acquiring approximately 360 hectares of farm land for conversion to a predominantly Pinus radiata commercial forest with planting during winters of 2026 and 2027. Once matured, the crop of trees will be harvested and replanted. The land consists mostly of Land Use Capability (LUC) class 7 (295 hectares) and LUC 6 (65 hectares). The key benefits that will likely result from this investment are economic benefits in the form of increased export receipts, creation of employment, and additional capital investment. The other benefit will be environmental in the form of reduced net carbon emissions and native plantings. Consent was granted as the Applicant met the investor test criterion and the Investment is likely to benefit New Zealand |
| More information | Christina Lefever PO Box 33064 Barrington, Christchurch 8244 |