Octa was engaged to prepare a Master Plan and provide project management services for the relocation of Timberlands Limited’s tree breeding and nursery operations from Te Ngae in Rotorua to a new rural site at Rerewhakaaitu. The project transformed a former dairy farm into a purpose-built forestry nursery and operations hub, requiring resource consent to enable the change in land use.
The Master Plan explored long-term development opportunities, including a forest genetics laboratory, fire store, and secondary support hub. While these elements did not progress beyond planning, they informed the overall site layout and staged delivery approach.
Stage 1 works established the core operational infrastructure, including demolition and site clearance, construction of new operational buildings, and refurbishment of existing structures. Earthworks created a central building hub supported by irrigation and stormwater infrastructure, with site-wide services, access, circulation, and planting delivered to enable full operation of the facility. Prior to opening, Timberlands rebranded to Kaingaroa Tipu.
Stage 2, managed by Kaingaroa Tipu, will complete the development with additional production and nursery facilities.
