Part of Northland's Aupouri forest has been returned to local iwi by the Crown after leasing the land for almost half a century.
An aerial view of Aupouri Forest, alongside Ninety Mile Beach. Photo: 123RF
The Crown leased the land for 99 years in 1966 but that was later negotiated down to the end of the first forest crop.
In a ceremony today, Associate Primary Industries minister, Jo Goodhew, and Maori land owners the Parengarenga Incorporation, cut down the last tree to mark the end of the lease.
The Parengarenga Incorporation manages the $42 million worth of assets for 3000 Far North iwi members and works mainly in farming and forestry.
The return of the almost 750-hectares of land to Parengarenga will allow the business to replant and continue forestry development in the area.
Minister Jo Goodhew said the Government would work with iwi and the industry to support future forestry work with the next step to produce an economic plan for Northland.