Tēnā rā koutou katoa!
Hei tīmatanga, me tangi ō tātou mate. Haere koutou, haere, haere, haere!
Engari anō tātou kua mahue nei, me te pōnānā ki te whakakīkī i ngā whāwhārua! Me mihi tonu ki a rātou i tuku mai i te whenua hei tūranga mō tātou. Kei wareware nā wai mā i tuku iho, ā, mō wai mā hoki ā tātou mahi o ēnei rā!
It is with much sadness that we reflect on the tragic events that occurred in January at Mauao and Papamoa and the loss of lives. We extend our sympathy and support to all those who have been affected by this event and the other ongoing weather-related events occurring around the country, which have caused significant damage and impact to people, properties and infrastructure. While this has greatly impacted the local community it also has meant significant implications for the Tauranga City Council and our negotiation programme. This has been delayed by several weeks and it is likely that negotiations won’t recommence for another 6-8 weeks. As a result we have postponed the proposed owner’s hui intended for March. This will now be held mid-year on a date to be determined. All going well we will then be able to provide a comprehensive update on negotiations for the Infrastructure Corridors and Active Reserve.
On a positive note we can report that despite substantial rain occurring our land block and the Te Tumu Development area remained largely unaffected as can be seen in this aerial of the extent of flooding in the area. Te Tumu Kaituna 14 Block is here:
Project Update
Although we have made good progress with negotiations for compensation and commercial terms for the Infrastructure Corridors and Active Reserve as stated, these negotiations are delayed due to the recent tragic events at Mauao. Other workstreams are continuing with neighbouring landowners to shape the development strategy in the face of legislative changes that are coming. Some of the proposed legislation working its way through the Parliamentary process as part of the reform of the Resource Management Act includes the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.
These are expected to be passed into law by September 2026. The Government has also issued changes to National Policy Statements that apply to plan making and consenting decisions under the existing RMA. These changes are intended to support infrastructure delivery, enable growth and assist transition toward the new planning system under the new legislation. There are certainly a lot of changes taking place that we need to take into account with our development strategy.
In December 2025 engagement started with Tangata Whenua through a combined hui of Te Tumu Māori Land Trusts. This bought together local land Trusts to establish a forum as the mechanism to improve understanding of the Te Tumu Project and the potential opportunities this will bring. These hui are due to be held every two months.
Educational Scholarships
Your directors have decided it is time to invest in our people by encouraging owners to gain Tertiary qualifications for undergraduate or post graduate tertiary qualifications. We are setting aside $20,000 putea per year to be allocated to students in their final year of study. Applications will be at the directors’ sole discretion. Information on the application process and eligibility will be available soon on the Trust Website. Students applying must be owners or descendants of owners in Tumu Kaituna 14 Trust.
Financial Update
The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 confirm that the Trust remains in a strong and stable financial position. Total income for the year was $664,978, driven largely by sand royalties of $622,917. After expenses and land rehabilitation costs of $114,858, the Trust recorded a net profit after taxation of $265,398. While royalty income softened slightly compared with the previous year, interest income increased and overall performance remained solid.
The Trust’s balance sheet continues to be healthy, with total assets of $14.74 million and equity of $14.40 million. Cash balances are accumulating and liabilities continue to reduce. As at February 2026 the Fordland loan now stands at $100,000 and cash on hand is $500,000. Overall, the Trust is well‑positioned financially to continue progressing long‑term development and negotiation work.
The audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 will be completed soon and will be available on the website under Beneficiary Resources on the Trust website. Full results will be reported to the next General Meeting of Owners.
As always owners can view historical information and latest updates on the Trust website www.tumukaituna14.org.nz and provide feedback through the Contacts page.
Nō reira, koina ā mātou kōrero mō tēnei wā, hei āta wetewete, hei āta whakaaroaro mā koutou, otirā, mā tātou katoa!
Ka makere iho te marama ki te one i Te Tumu … oi kau ana te tai!
Ka nui ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa,
Malcolm T Short, ONZM
Chair
