Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Investment Trust has today announced its purchase of Knutsons Limited, the Irwin family company that owns property tenanted by New World Carterton, Domino's, Kāinga Eatery and Carterton Pharmacy.

The transaction means the Investment Trust, a subsidiary of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust, is now landlord to these local retail businesses.

Chair of the Settlement Trust, Paora Ammunson, firstly acknowledged Hurunui-ō-Rangi as mana whenua of Carterton. He also expressed sympathy to the family of Doreion Hard, who recently passed away near New World Carterton.

“Our thoughts and aroha are with Doreion’s whānau and friends, and all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.

Mr Ammunson said that relationships and community are at the heart of the Wairarapa, and the purchase of Knutsons Limited was an example of these strong relationships.

“Several of our Trustees and whānau members have long-standing connections with the Irwin whānau, who have contributed so much to Carterton over the years.

“The family’s property developments have supported and enhanced our local retail environment, and we are honoured they have trusted us to take over as kaitiaki for these properties.”

Irwin family representative, Finlay Irwin, said the sale of Knutsons Limited was not an easy decision for his family but they were confident that Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Investment Trust was the right purchaser.

“The iwi is embedded in the Wairarapa community for the long term and we know that they will be a responsible, committed landlord,” Mr Irwin said.

“We share a passion for Carterton and we want to see it thrive well into the future.”

Carterton Mayor, Ron Mark, said he was pleased to see ownership of the retail development remaining in local hands.

“The Knutson name is well-known by many, as our first supermarket here was named Knutson’s New World,” he said.

“I’m delighted that Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua has chosen to invest in Carterton’s business community and that the Knutson and Irwin family’s legacy will continue with new vibrancy.”

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Investment Trust is planning an event to celebrate the purchase, with details to be released soon.

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