The Kauri Timber Company, Limited, (KTC) Auckland was from 1888 to 1944 a large logging and sawmilling company in New Zealand. KTC was formed in 1888, with a capital of £1,250,000, paid up to £750,000, and its operations were of a very comprehensive nature. Besides KTC's headquarters in Melbourne and a branch in Sydney, there were sixteen branches in New Zealand, where the timber was milled. The forests owned by KTC made it the fifth-largest landholding company in the country, which removed much of North Island’s native forest, initially kauri and later kahikatea, assuring steady supplies for its mills for many years. Between 300 and 400 men were engaged in the Auckland mill and factory, and throughout the whole of the company's operations in mills, stores, and forests, some 5000 or 6000 p