The Mana Ahuriri Trust has launched their plans to become one of the largest commercial property and asset owners in the region.

The trust is the post-treaty settlement governance entity that represents the Ahuriri and Napier areas.

The first project is set to start in September with a $20m retail development in Napier.

Trust director Warren Ladbrook said the project would turn an unsightly "gravel pit" into an large format retail strip.