We are proudly Ngāi Tahu

Pounamu (greenstone) is a precious and prized stone often associated with mana (status) and prestige. It is found only in Te Waipounamu (the South Island). Traditionally it was valued for its strength and beauty, and was used to make tools, weapons, and jewellery. Early commercial prowess had Ngāi Tahu using this advantage to establish trade with northern tribes.

Ngā haumi Our investments

The Ngāi Tahu Holdings investment portfolio is made up of a diverse range of investments, with farming, property, seafood, and tourism at the heart of our operations. We also directly invest in businesses outside of these industries which; spreads our risk by creating a more diverse set of investments, keep us in touch with new business opportunities, and provides a source of money that is readily accessible.

Our approach to investment and the running of operations is long-term, and guided by Ngāi Tahu values.

We strive to:

minimise our impact on the environment
achieve high standards of health and safety
respect and care for our staff
invest and partner with businesses that share our values
embody Ngāi Tahutanga as a distinctive element of our operations.

In 1998, Ngāi Tahu settled historical grievances with the Crown, resulting in a transfer of assets (resources) from the Crown to Ngāi Tahu under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act. Ngāi Tahu Holdings was set up to grow and protect those assets by operating successful businesses. An important part of our role is to generate and distribute returns to support the ongoing work of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (our tribal council).

In 20 years we have built a family of Te Waipounamu-based businesses that operate nationally and internationally.

Ngāi Tahu Investments— buys and sells shares in private companies and publicly listed companies

Ngāi Tahu Farming — made up of farms and forests producing milk, meat, wool and logs

Ngāi Tahu Property — owns, invests, and develops property for sale or lease around the country

Ngāi Tahu Seafood — sells seafood products to a primarily overseas market

Ngāi Tahu Tourism — operates tourist attractions around the country.

Growth since inception (net worth)

Settlement FY98

$170m

Total net worth

$1.5b

Distribution to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Total distribution

$573m

Ngāi Tahu Investments

Centuries ago, Ngāi Tahu moved southward from their homes in Te Ika a Māui (the North Island) to forge a new life in Te Waipounamu (the South Island).

Ngāi Tahu Investments (NTI) is continuing the tribe’s tradition of exploring new opportunities by investing in assets that complement and diversify the NTH portfolio. NTI’s portfolio includes a range of direct investments, private equity funds and listed equities. These investments improve NTH’s growth exposure and portfolio resilience, which helps to protect and grow tribal wealth for current and future generations.

Ngāi Tahu Farming

Ngāi Tahu whakapapa (genealogy) binds us to the mountains, land, forests, and waters.

Underpinning this unique relationship is the belief that the natural environment sustains people, and that in turn, we have a responsibility to nurture the environment through the generations. Our farming operation includes the management of more than 100,000 hectares of beef farms, dairy farms, forestry operations, and high country stations. It is essential to us that all our practices — whether on land, waterways, or in forests — are in line with our role as a kaitiaki (custodian) of the environment.

Ngāi Tahu Property

For generations, the land has shaped the culture and identity of Ngāi Tahu.

Our history and traditions are recorded in place names, mountains, rivers, lakes, and oceans, ensuring that the footsteps of our ancestors remain forever upon the landscape. The land, and our relationship with it, is one of the foundations for the future of Ngāi Tahu. Through our property developments and investments, we strive to honour that enduring relationship.

Ngāi Tahu Seafood

For centuries, the sea surrounding Te Waipounamu (the South Island) has provided Ngāi Tahu a bountiful supply of food for both sustenance and trade.

Ngāi Tahu have an intimate knowledge of, connection to, and respect for the sea. Our profound regard for the marine environment, alongside our belief in sustainability and responsible behaviour, guides our practice in today’s commercial environment. It includes respect for marine species and for the product itself, taking care to retain the best condition and highest quality.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism

Ngāi Tahu have an intimate relationship with the landscape, a rich cultural heritage, and a reputation for manaakitanga (hospitality), which underpins our tourism activities.

Tourism is where our cultural, commercial, and environmental aspirations come together as we share our place, our story, and our values with the world. We aim to provide an unparalleled experience to our manuhiri (visitors).