Investments

The profile of the steel industry is anonymous, in everyday life. This despite the material being an essential part of all modern economies. It is made up of 3 distinct sectors – steel mills which produce the product, distributors who facilitate logistics and re-shaping, then a vast array of users. The business is global by nature and requires scale for the mill and distributor to perform efficiently. Commercial steel manufacture started less than 170 years ago, with governments being an interested part of the evolution for two key reasons – national security of supply (particularly for armaments) and until recently large employment potential. This history cocktail has created many boom and bust periods. Today, with the emergence of China, there is a serious over capacity of production, which will not easily be corrected – again, national interests exacerbate the predicament. Fortunately, the distributor sector is more locally focused (by country) than global. With a working capital … [Read more...] about Steel

Takutai has invested in commercial property, often alongside Vulcan’s expansion. This has included being instrumental in original design and development, plus taking a part shareholding. Currently there are 7 such properties – the oldest dating back to 1995 (Neales Road East Tamaki, Auckland) and the latest this year (South Island distribution centre at Waterloo business park Christchurch). Apart from these strict commercial investments we are also involved in various entities which include property ownership – farming, accommodation, wine making, and even historic legacies, these can be seen in other parts of the website. Investing in commercial property is relatively static with little emotion – we prefer “te mana whenua” (the ownership) and responsibilities that are bestowed by it. In most of these cases financial return is not the motivating criteria, but an ambition to add value which is long lasting and complimentary. … [Read more...] about Commercial Property

New Zealand is an agricultural country – geographic location and fertile soils provided a good living for the early colonisers. Whilst the internet phenomenon of the last 20 years has obsessed globally, the good fortune of climate and separation will always ensure food and water remain permanent NZ assets. Takutai bought Dunster farm in 2006 – 656 acres of productive rolling country, in North Canterbury. Historically, the farm has run dry stock with a capacity for 2000 sheep and 200 cattle, on relatively easy-care land. The farm is at the low end of economic viability for land area – due to this, the farming operation has been leased to a neighbour who manages it seamlessly with their own property. Over 70 years Dunster has developed its own unique character and history – Takutai’s involvement is to preserve this, and hopefully enhance it for future generations. Capital works are undertaken by Takutai – these include a variety of activities, some directly related to the farm operation … [Read more...] about Agriculture

As a silent partner, Takutai participated in a restructure of capital requirements at a Waiheke vineyard, Passage Rock. The relationship between Takutai and the winery happened after the purchase of our Korora Road property. A small block of Pinot Gris grapes is planted there and Passage Rock historically manage these on a “hands free” basis. Our motivation was inspired by a desire to invest on the island – he hiahia ki te haumi i roto i te taiao ā-rohe. Wine is a difficult commercial proposition for Waiheke Island. The last 10-20 years have seen the island move from a relaxed “hippie retreat” to a must visit tourist spot – putting considerable pressure on infra structure and moving property prices in a steep incline. The microcosm which now exists is unique and will need careful planning in the future – if all parties are going to be satisfied. Notwithstanding, there are 20+ wineries on Waiheke and they contribute a key part of the tourist attraction. Going forward each, in their … [Read more...] about Wine

Recently, New Zealand has become a “destination” for international visitors – aggressively supported in the last 10 years by a government push to promote tourism for economic benefits. The development has been “shot gun” rather than targeted – in the period visitor numbers have doubled to 3.2 million, with 5 million predicted. The funding and infrastructure to handle this in an appropriate manner, keeping residents and visitors happy, is a difficult conundrum. We sincerely hope there is more constructive thought employed in the future. 2008 Takutai trust invested in an accommodation and horse trekking business at the Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki, West Coast, South Island). This geological phenomenon is one of the most visited tourist attractions in New Zealand (around half a million visitors per year). A surrounding area consisting of rough Tasman Sea coast on one side and 300-year-old forests on the other adds to the experience. Bush walks, surfing, kayaking … [Read more...] about Tourism