This was the location of a grass airstrip owned by Norske Skog Tasman Paper Mills, used to bring in emergency parts for the paper machines. It was also used for visiting VIPs to the Mills. The construction of the Mighty River Power Geothermal Power Station, has stopped the use of the airstrip.
A recent development is the establishment of a worm farm. The airstrip is now covered in windrows of vermicast. This is an example of a industrial symbiosis and it will be used to improve soils for farmers.
Onepu is a small locality in the Bay of Plenty Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Onepu is situated between Kawerau and Te Teko along State Highway 34, and lies immediately north-east of the Norske Skog Tasman pulp and paper mill. The locality also lies on the Murupara Branch railway. Onepu is situated within Whakatane District and is serviced by Rural Delivery route 2.
The name "Onepu" comes from local Māori oral traditions. Onepu was said to be the father of Tūwharetoa, the eponymous ancestor of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi. The children of Tūwharetoa travelled down to the Taupo region and settled there, establishing the Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi that is located between Taupo and Kawerau. The meeting house of Hahuru Marae at the Onepu locality is named after the mother of Tūwharetoa. Historically, "Onepu" was also the name of the surrounding district, including the site of the present town of Kawerau.
Though the map doesn't seem to show it, there is a railway crossing and a sealed road called Onepu Springs Road.