Minginui: A Heart of Conservation
Minginui is a remote town located on the edge of Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne in the Bay of Plenty region. Known for its history as a logging and milling hub, the town initially focused on extracting native timber and replacing it with fast-growing exotic pines. However, times have changed, and today the town operates one of the most significant forest restoration projects in Aotearoa.
From Cutting to Conservation
For around 100 years, the ancient Whirinkai Forest, from Te Whaiti to Minginui, was subject to large-scale milling of native trees, with the land converted to farmland and exotic pine plantations.
By the 1970s, the conservation movement in New Zealand had gained momentum, successfully halting further selective logging of ancient forests in Whirinaki and elsewhere in the North Island. A notable event occurred in 1978 when conservationists arrived in Minginui, leading to a confrontation with locals who opposed their access to the forest. Despite the tension, this marked the end of native tree cutting. The creation of the conservation park followed a moratorium, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) took over from the Forest Service, ending native tree logging activities at Minginui permanently.
Revitalisation and Joint Management
In 2010, Ngāti Whare iwi settled its Treaty of Waitangi grievances with the New Zealand government, gaining joint management rights over the forest park with DOC. This partnership marked a turning point for the area. More recently, the Provincial Growth Fund supported a project managed by Ngāti Whare Holdings to remove exotic pines and restore the land to native forest. As you drive through Minginui, you'll notice the colourful Minginui Nursery, which houses over one million seedlings ready for planting, making it one of the largest initiatives of its kind in Aotearoa.
While exploring Minginui, be mindful of the horses that roam freely through the town. They are a common sight and add to the unique character of the area.
How to Get There
To reach Minginui from Rotorua, take State Highway 5, then State Highway 38 through the enormous exotic Kaiangaroa Forest to Murupara. Head south from Murupara on Mian Road, which becomes Te Whaiti Road. This takes you into the Whirinaki Forest, with a mix of native sections and exotic plantations. At Te Whaiti, head south on Minginui Road, passing through an area that was once clear-felled and converted to farmland.
Nearby, you can explore the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne, including Wiremu Merito Reserve, the River Road that provides access to the centre of the ancient forest, and the spectacular Te Whaiti Nui a Toi Canyon. Nearby, you can camp by the Whirinaki River at Mangamate.
