history of our lands
OWHAOKO B & D TRUST HISTORY
The Māori Land Court awarded the Owhaoko B&D blocks to Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Whiti and Ngāti Whiti Tama in 1888. Previously, certain Owhaoko A, B and D blocks were gifted to the Crown for use by Māori returned service men in 1917 however the land blocks were returned to the owners by 1972 as they were not suitable for settlement or farming.
From 1974, the land blocks were administered and controlled by the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board as the responsible Trustee with minimal inclusion of the actual landowners. This situation prompted a series of hui that took place from 1993 to 1995, with the result being the establishment of the Owhaoko B&D Trust, in February 1996.
The purpose given to the Trust is to “… provide for the use, management and alienation of the land and any other property or assets of the trust to the best advantage of the beneficial owners…”.
TRUST DEVELOPMENT
From its inception, the Trust has continued the practice of recreational hunting and fishing through a recreational land use agreement with Heli-Sika which has generated an income stream and enabled controlled use of the blocks.
In February 2005, the Trust entered into a Ngā Whenua Rāhui Kawenata with the Minister of Conservation which not only serves to protect indigenous fauna and flora but provided a substantial consideration payment.
Over the years, the Trust has progressively established a sound operational base which has seen the appointment of a contracted Administrator.
In recent years, the Trust has focused on developing itself to deliver improved benefits and services to its owners.
ACTIVITIES
HUNTING OPERATIONS
The hunting operation is managed through Helisika who take bookings online through their website.
The Trust only allows hunting during two periods in the year: 1 March to 30 May, and 1 October to 20 December.
The change was made for two reasons:
- To give the deer a period of rest during the year, and
- To make the land available during the summer for other uses such as eco-tourism and the Owners Hīkoi.
Hunters have commented that the two seasons have improved the temperament of the deer, who appear more relaxed than when hunted all the time.
Huts on the whenua are designed for various configurations – from basic accommodation to huts which have more of the luxuries of home. The Trust has a good repairs and maintenance programme to improve the quality of its huts. The objective is to provide the hunters with a more comfortable, and therefore more enjoyable time during their stay on Trust lands.
a piece of local history
OLD GOLDEN HILLS HUT
The Golden Hills Hut has significant local history stemming from its usage during the late 1800’s and as such needs to be preserved as a historical place of interest for heritage trail walkers, guests of local eco-tourism enterprises and traditional land owners who currently use the area for annual huis. In these earlier years, the Golden Hills Hut was used as the primary place of shelter in the area as well as being used as a supply store for the stockmen who worked on the full muster for the Ngamatea sheep station (also referred to in earlier days as Owhaoko). Ngamatea was the largest sheep station in the North Island at that time, and the hut is still a living example of life for the sheep stockman who lived and worked during that era. The historical value of the Old Golden Hills Hut is important to the area. It is a building of significant historical interest and the Trust would like to protect it for generations to come.
where to find us
LOCATION & MAPS
Located north of the Taupō-Napier Road, the land is a mix of steep to very steep broken country and rolling valleys.
The predominant vegetation is tussock in the valleys, Mānuka bush on the sloping hills and Mountain beech trees on the less fertile hill sides and tops. At high altitudes the terrain in rock and scree.
Owhaoko B&D blocks are landlocked and only accessible by helicopter. Hunting and recreational groups are flown in from the Helisika base operations near Poronui Lodge, Taharua road off the Taupo-Napier highway.
Address
PO Box 7233, Hamilton
Call Us
0800 274 374
Email Us
info@owhaoko.co.nz