Like all foreign purchases of large blocks of land, Ingka’s purchases require government approval. Public records published by the Overseas Investment Office show Ingka has purchased 23,700ha of farmland for conversion to forestry and 18,600ha of existing forests – including the Greenheart Group forests. Wisp Hill was a sheep and beef operation with a small 53ha existing forest. The application stated, “The remainder of the land will be unplanted land including native bush [1021ha], potential regeneration land [892ha], buffer land, setbacks, riparian areas etc. “Our preference is to acquire existing forests where this aligns with our long‑term goals and values."

Source: New Zealand Herald January 11, 2026 17:34 UTC