In 2019, Pan Pac purchased an area of forest land (total area 298ha), located just north of our Whirinaki mill. This forest land includes approx. 68ha of well-established Indigenous (native) forest. We partnered with government organizations to place the reserve into a secure Queen Elizabeth ll National Trust (QEll)*1 covenant, under the name Pakuratahi Bush.
While Pan Pac will maintain ownership of the land, the QEll covenant ensures Pakuratahi Bush is preserved for future generations. Pakuratahi Bush is unique for Hawkeʼs Bay given the forestʼs age and previous protection from animal livestock and pests. For these reasons, the native tree population mixes of kahikatea, matai, titoki, karaka*2 and kanula hold particular ecological cultural importance.
Since its designation as a reserve, Pan Pac has worked with experts to support the restoration of this precious natural forest. Efforts include installing fences to prevent deer damage and planting tens of thousands of native plants as part of a reforestation program.
Although Pakuratahi Bush is not generally open to the public, Pan Pac hosts events like native tree-planting activities and guided tours. These initiatives provide environmental education opportunities for local communities, including schools and indigenous groups with ties to the land.
This program aims to fence in a permanent preservation area (springs, streams, rivers, and surrounding vegetation) between fragmented natural forests to prevent livestock and other animals from entering and restoring natural vegetation. Further, the project aims to function as an "ecological corridor" for wildlife to come and go between natural forests, thereby contributing to preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.
Oji Holdings aims to create over 3,500 hectares of ecological corridors outside the CENIBRA's land between 2024 and 2033.
