The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has completed the sale of its remaining property at Kawau Island to Ngāti Manuhiri, marking a new chapter in the Squadron’s long association with the island.

Kawau has been part of the Squadron’s story since 1989, when RNZYS purchased the property from British Petroleum (BP) New Zealand Ltd. For more than three decades, Lidgard House and the surrounding waterfront have been enjoyed by generations of members and have provided the backdrop for Squadron Weekends, Youth Training Weeks, cruising adventures, family holidays and many memorable occasions.

The decision to sell was not made lightly. Following approval from members, the property was taken to market through a structured campaign, with the sale of the remaining six land titles — Lots 271 to 276 on DP7675 — to Ngāti Manuhiri completed on 21 August 2026.

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 brings the Squadron’s ownership of Lidgard House and the surrounding land to an end, RNZYS members’ connection with Kawau will continue.

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

Ngāti Manuhiri has also warmly 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 provides the opportunity for longstanding traditions, including Squadron Weekend and Youth Training Week, to continue at Kawau. Use of Lidgard House itself will be by mutual agreement on each occasion.

We look forward to maintaining a positive and respectful relationship with Ngāti Manuhiri and to seeing RNZYS members continue to enjoy Kawau for many years to come.

Kawau Quick Facts

  • 1989: RNZYS completed the purchase of its Kawau property from British Petroleum (BP) New Zealand Ltd.
  • More than 30 years at Kawau: Lidgard House and the surrounding property provided a base for Squadron events, youth training, cruising and member holidays.
  • Reforestation: During its ownership, RNZYS undertook an extensive native reforestation programme across areas of the property.2014: Lot 279, containing the former Kawau Boating Club operator’s house, was sold privately.
  • 2014: Lot 279, containing the former Kawau Boating Club operator’s house, was sold privately.
  • 2024: Lot 270, containing the Kawau Boating Club property, was sold to KBC.
  • 21 August 2026: The sale of RNZYS’s remaining six titles — Lots 271–276 — to Ngāti Manuhiri was completed.
  • Approximately 33,000m²: The six titles included Lidgard House, the wharf and jetty, water tanks and bore, and the disused boatshed and ramp.Four RNZYS moorings remain: The Squadron retained its four moorings at Smelting House Bay for the continued use of members.
  • Squadron access continues: RNZYS has been invited to use the beachfront, jetty, pontoon and lawn area twice annually during the summer months for an initial 20-year period, allowing traditions such as Squadron Weekend and Youth Training Week to continue.