LIDGARD HOUSE on Kawau Island

RNZYS members have enjoyed a special connection with Kawau Island for more than three decades.

In 1989, the Squadron completed the purchase of Lots 270–276 from British Petroleum (BP) New Zealand Ltd. The property included Lidgard House and the Kawau Island Yacht Club and provided generations of members with a base at Kawau.

Over the years, the property became the backdrop for Squadron Weekends, Youth Training Weeks, cruising adventures, family holidays and countless memories shared by members. Lidgard House and the surrounding waterfront became an important part of the Squadron’s history and its connection with Kawau.

During the Squadron’s ownership, considerable work was also undertaken to care for and restore the land, including an extensive native reforestation programme. This saw areas of the property progressively replanted and regenerated, supporting the restoration of the natural environment around the site.

Over time, the Squadron’s landholding at Kawau was progressively reduced. In 2014, Lot 279, containing the Kawau Boating Club operator’s house, was sold to privately, the Kawau Boating Club property on Lot 270 was also sold to KBC in 2024.

In 2026, following a structured marketing campaign and negotiations with interested parties, the Squadron sold its remaining six land titles at Kawau — Lots 271 to 276 on DP7675 — to Ngāti Manuhiri.

The approximately 33,000m² property included Lidgard House, the wharf and jetty, water tanks and bore, and the disused boatshed and ramp.

Ngāti Manuhiri are mana whenua of Kawau and have a long and significant association with the island. For Ngāti Manuhiri, the acquisition represents an important opportunity for cultural reconnection and to strengthen their presence and relationship with the whenua.

While the sale marked the end of the Squadron’s ownership of Lidgard House and the surrounding land, it does not mark the end of RNZYS members’ connection with Kawau.

The four RNZYS moorings at Smelting House Bay were not included in the sale and remain in the ownership of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for the continued use of members.

In recognition of the Squadron’s long stewardship of the property, Ngāti Manuhiri has also invited RNZYS to continue using the beachfront, jetty, pontoon and lawn area twice annually during the summer months for an initial period of 20 years. This will allow traditions such as Squadron Weekend and Youth Training Week to continue at Kawau. Use of Lidgard House itself will be by mutual agreement on each occasion.

Kawau has been an important part of the Squadron’s story since 1989. While the nature of our relationship with the property has changed, RNZYS looks forward to members continuing to enjoy Kawau through the Squadron moorings, Squadron events and their own cruising adventures, while maintaining a positive and respectful relationship with Ngāti Manuhiri as the new owners of the property.