The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has sold its Kawau Island property, ending more than 30 years of ownership after a vote to put the site on the market last year.
Commodore David Blakey told members the sale became unconditional on July 17. The deposit was paid on July 24, with settlement due on August 21.
“Kawau has been part of the Squadron’s story for more than three decades,” Blakey said.
“It has been the backdrop for Squadron Weekends, Youth Week, cruising adventures, family holidays and countless memories shared by generations of members.”
The property was marketed by Barfoot & Thompson following a resolution passed at the Squadron’s 2025 annual general meeting.
Blakey said the sale price was “at the upper end of the independent valuation” and described it as “a strong commercial outcome for the Club”. The buyer has requested some details of the transaction remain confidential until settlement arrangements are complete.
The sale includes all six land titles, ensuring the property remains intact rather than being divided into multiple ownerships.
Despite the sale, the Squadron will retain ownership of its four Kawau moorings for members’ use.
The purchaser has also agreed to allow the Squadron to use the beachfront, jetty, pontoon and lawn twice each summer for the next 20 years for events including Squadron Weekend and Youth Training Week. Use of Lidgard House will be by mutual agreement.
“These arrangements ensure that while ownership of the land is changing, the Squadron will continue to maintain a presence at Kawau for many years to come,” Blakey said.
Proceeds from the sale will be invested through the RNZYS Foundation and managed by Milford after sale costs are met.
Blakey said the investment would “strengthen the Squadron’s long-term financial position” and help fund Westhaven facilities, sailing programmes and member experiences.
“The decision to sell Kawau was never simply about selling a property. It was about making a responsible decision for the future of the Club,” he said.
The Squadron’s 150th Anniversary Reforestation Project will also come to an end, with volunteers stepping back from maintaining the site after ownership changes hands.
Commemorative donor plaques will be removed and relocated to the Squadron’s Westhaven clubhouse gardens, while donors who wish to reclaim their individual plaques can request their return.
