Manawatu¯ forest has own quarry
A large freehold forest with a substantial area ready for immediate harvest is for sale near Levin.
Colliers International’s specialist forestry team is marketing market Kohitere Forest for sale by expressions of interest.
The forest is for sale by expressions of interest closing at 4pm on Thursday September 20. Shortlisted parties will be confirmed on Friday September 28.
The 478.2ha landholding on the outskirts of Levin has a net stocked area of 343.7ha, predominantly planted with radiata pine. More than 45 per cent of the forest is aged 22 years or older, providing options for immediate harvest cashflow.
A telecommunications tower on the property provides rental income, while a quarry with a new resource consent provides roading material that can be used on-site or sold.
Colliers International forestry director Warwick Searle, who is marketing the property with colleague Angus Robertson, sees a superb opportunity to acquire a freehold forest with upside.
“Kohitere Forest is superbly located in the Horowhenua District, which is well known for producing high quality and high yielding forestry crops,” says Searle.
“The region has a multitude of forestry industry facilities and service providers, including forestry managers, contractors and sawmills.”
Domestic timber processors nearby in Levin, include Crighton Sawmill, ATS Timber and Mitchpine.
Other processors in the surrounding regions include Juken NZ and Kiwi Lumber in Wairarapa; Foxpine in Foxton; Kiwi Lumber and Goldpine in Dannevirke; the Tangiwai Sawmill and Kariori Pulp Mill in Tangiwai; and the Waverley Sawmill.
Situated on the outskirts of Levin, Kohitere Forest is only 5km from State Highway 1, providing excellent access.
It is 96km from the Lower North Island’s key export hub, Centreport, in Wellington. This will reduce by
3.5km when the Transmission Gully motorway is completed in 2020.
“This forest is ideally located to take advantage of domestic and international markets,” Searle says.
It is being sold by US-based investment manager The Rohatyn Group with forestry management services currently undertaken by FOMS, a local highly-regarded forest manager.
“It comprises a mixed-age crop with excellent form and branch size, complemented by the exceptional growth rates the area has to offer.”
The net stocked area comprises
330.1ha of pinus radiata and 13.6ha of douglas fir.
Forestry rights to 18.3ha of pinus radiata and 1.8ha of douglas fir planted on neighbouring land, are included in the sale.The primary forestry right expires at completion of harvest, or 31 December 2028. There is no obligation to replant.
Access to the forest is provided to the west via Gladstone Rd and east of the forest via Denton Rd.
Public access is permitted for a range of recreational activities including walking and running, mountain biking, horse riding and other organised public events.