Kaingaroa Tipu launches: Growing a sustainable future with Rerewhakaaitu Nursery
Today marks a bold new chapter in New Zealand’s forestry sector as Kaingaroa Timberlands becomes Kaingaroa Tipu, underpinned by its brand promise ‘we grow better, every day’.
The change reinforces the company’s future-focused growth agenda, building on the increasing importance of partnering, innovation and sustainable forest management.
The new brand was unveiled at the opening of a new 145-hectare tree nursery at Rerewhakaaitu, south-east of Rotorua, attended by staff and guests on Thursday.
Kaingaroa Tipu unites Kaingaroa Timberlands, Timberlands, and Forest Genetics, under one cohesive brand, honouring the past while embracing the future.
“This is more than a name change; it’s the new story of where we are headed,” says Chief Executive Ryan Cavanagh.
“Kaingaroa Tipu represents our intent to grow better wood products, better jobs, and a better environment, every day. It’s a promise to our iwi partners, our contractors and our customers that we are here to grow with purpose, together.”
Kaingaroa Tipu Board Chair Jon Hartley says the Kaingaroa Forest Estate is a much-treasured living resource and the rebrand honours the forest’s legacy built by generations of mahi.
“It sets the stage for an exciting future based on partnering and innovation to deliver improved value and better environmental outcomes for land and forest owners, and our communities.”
The Rerewhakaaitu Nursery, officially opened by Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell, embodies the spirit of Kaingaroa Tipu. The site will nurture the next generation of seedlings and forestry professionals, with tree stocks that support sustainable forest management across the 215,000-hectare Kaingaroa Forest Estate.
Work to convert the former dairy farm began in 2021. In four years, the site has been reshaped into a state-of-the-art nursery that will produce millions of seedlings annually.
With a focus on bare root operations, the facility includes nursery beds, a packing shed, office and a purpose-built staff facility to support the seasonal workforce of up to 100 people during peak production periods.
The nursery’s first crop includes 6 million cuttings and 50,000 trial seedlings, with up to 3.6 million trees expected to be dispatched next year for planting across the forest estate.
Further infrastructure is planned, such as cool storage and future containerised growing facilities, ensuring Rerewhakaaitu Nursery can expand as demand for trees increases.
A new visual identity
The new visual identity of Kaingaroa Tipu draws inspiration from the natural world, and incorporates elements of the lunar cycle, symbolising regeneration and the daily rhythm of forest life. The brand’s tone of voice is grounded in the company’s values of care (manaaki), collaboration (mahi tahi), and growth (tipu).
The launch includes:
- A new website: www.kt.co.nz
- Updated signage across forest sites and facilities
- Branded vehicles, PPE, and workwear
The rebranding is a strategic move to position Kaingaroa Tipu as a global leader in sustainable forestry. Its refreshed digital presence strengthens the company’s ability to attract talent, forge new partnerships, and share its stories of innovation, sustainability, and impact.
