Trust Beginnings
Ngai Tukairangi Trust emerged from the threat of urbanisation on the Matapihi peninsula, with a clear vision to retain and develop the land to better meet the needs of our people.
Our tīpuna amalgamated land blocks from the Matapihi Ohuki Trust and smaller whanau owned blocks to form Ngai Tukairangi Trust.
Led by Turirangi Te Kani, the trust was established in the early 1980’s. Originally a bare block, the land was developed with the support of the Department of Maori Affairs, under part 24 of the Maori Affairs Act.
Guided by the first chair Turirangi Te Kani and trustees Mahaki Ellis, Toa Faulkner, Lincoln Smith, Wiparera Te Kani and Pokai Waiari, the trust ventured into the kiwifruit industry.
Since this time Ngai Tukairangi Trust has grown to be one of the leading Maori owned trusts within New Zealand. Whilst our core business remains in kiwifruit, the trust diversified in 2014 with the beginning of subsidiary company Tukairangi Investments.
History
Ngai Tukairangi Trust was built on kotahitanga. Our tīpuna shared the desire to live and work on the land. Establishing Ngai Tukairangi Trust in the late 1980’s under the Maori
Affairs Act 1953.
Based in Matapihi, Tauranga, Ngai Tukairangi Trust was formed through the amalgamation of a number of Maori owned land blocks;
- Puwhariki 2,
- Te Ngaio 2,
- Tumatanui 3B2,
- Tumatanui 3A,
- Oruamatua 2A2B,
- Oruamatua 2B2,
- Otuawahia 1
- Otuawahia 3B.
In 1980 the land was developed with the assistance of the Department of Maori Affairs, who had a range of crops; maize, corn, melons and squash. Ngai Tukairangi sought something new. In December 1981 a nursery of chinese gooseberries was planted, now commonly known as kiwifruit.
The Department of Maori Affairs, and later Iwi Transition Agency managed the orchard up until 1992. In April of that year the management of the trust was returned to shareholders. Since that time the Trust has employed Trustees and a management team to manage its investments.
The Trust began with approximately 200 shareholders, growing to over 1700 in recent years.
Today, Ngai Tukairangi Trust owns two large kiwifruit operations in Hawkes Bay and the Bay of Plenty and has investments in commercial property and other businesses.
Our Values
Rangatiratanga
We continually look for ways to improve our business. Always learning, growing and becoming better than we were before.
Whanaungatanga
We celebrate diversity and treat everyone fairly and equally.
Kaitiakitanga
We are dedicated to using sustainable practices to preserve our natural resources for future generations.
Kia Tu Tonu Tatou
We are proud of who we are. We act with honesty, integrity and respect.
Kotahitanga
We work together to keep each other safe and achieve our goals.
