It was 1975 when bushman and farmer Hugh O’Sullivan began milling and selling timber from his farm, before then setting up a lumber yard in Dannevirke. At age 17, son John joined the business and today, TUMU is one of the largest privately owned businesses in Hawke’s Bay, employing over 600 staff. Over nearly 50 years, TUMU Group has strategically expanded and diversified our business, not only in Hawke’s Bay and the wider East Coast regions, but across New Zealand. These business interests included building supplies, sawmilling, timber manufacturing, financing, property development, retirement villages and import and distribution. Everything about the TUMU business reflects strong family-focused values and through sponsorships and our connection with the Evergreen Foundation, the TUMU has been able to give back, supporting local arts, sports and events, and communities via education and poverty relief initiatives, including support for those severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
