The Kaituna River, is located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region on the North Island, originates from Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. Flowing northwards for 45 kilometers, it ultimately empties into the Bay of Plenty near Maketu.

The Ford family has been farming and owning land in the Maketu, Te Tumu, and Lower Kaituna areas since 1907. "The Sandhills," situated on the northern side of the Kaituna River, was established on December 21, 1911, when George P. Ford leased 217 acres of second-class land from the District Lands Office on a perpetual lease. Papamoa History contained in the High Court Affidavit 18th May 2021.

Formed in December 2004, the Te Tumu Landowners Group (TTLG) consists of the primary landowners in the Papamoa East – Te Tumu area. TTLG represents the two major landowners and one smaller landowner within the Urban Growth Management Area known as Papamoa East (Te Tumu).