Skip to content

Kapiro Orchard: A model of adaptive land use

02 December 2025

Our Kapiro complex in Northland is a flagship example of the Pāmu land optimisation strategy. Formerly a dairy and livestock operation, parts of the farm have been transitioned into horticulture, with avocado and berry orchards now producing commercial quantities. 

Pāmu Chief Investment Officer Andrew Sliper says Pāmu maintains a balanced presence in these markets, ensuring its scale supports industry-wide benefits. He says that by 2030, the avocado trees will reach full maturity, and up to 160 hectares of the property is expected to be in mixed horticultural use—helping to mitigate both climate and market risks. 

The site benefits from reliable water access and versatile infrastructure, enabling yearround production and responsiveness to consumer demand. A climate risk assessment for Kapiro highlighted increasing drought and extreme rainfall risks, reinforcing the value of tunnel-based growing systems. 

The horticultural development is also creating new employment opportunities, with plans to grow a team of 50 permanent and seasonal staff. Meanwhile, neighbouring Kapiro Station continues to support biodiversity initiatives and is home to the Sheep of the Future programme, which aims to breed resilient, fit-for-purpose animals that can thrive in evolving farming conditions.