We’re restoring our whenua with native plants, community collaboration, and a vision for future generations.
Our long-anticipated native nursery project on the East Coast is now operational, as we gear up for the 2026 planting season.
The project was seeded several years ago when funding was secured from the Department of Conservation (DOC) to establish a native nursery dedicated to restoring and revitalising local whenua. The kaupapa is centred on cultivating native plants that are critical to biodiversity, soil health, and coastal resilience—ensuring a thriving natural environment for future generations.
“At its heart, this is about restoring the land, protecting it for our tamariki and mokopuna, and creating long-term environmental and community benefits,” says Josiah Cook from Nāti Growth, who has been leading the operational rollout.
Progress to Date
Since the initial funding, a wide range of groundwork has been completed, including site planning, securing consents, and building core infrastructure. The nursery now includes:
A 19-metre greenhouse and a 26-metre shade house
Two storage containers for tools and equipment
A covered work area for plant preparation
Five 30,000L water tanks for irrigation and storage
Power supply to run the greenhouse and workshed
New staff have joined the team, while existing kaimahi have undergone upskilling to support nursery operations.
A Vision for Restoration
The goal is to produce up to 50,000 native plants annually, including species such as pōhutukawa, kānuka, harakeke, and tī kōuka. These plants will support reforestation and erosion control projects across the region—starting with the restoration site at Sponge Bay near Gisborne.
“Many of these species are uniquely suited to the East Coast climate and play a vital role in stabilising soil, supporting biodiversity, and restoring mauri to our landscapes,” says Graeme Atkins, Nursery Lead. “This is about more than planting trees—it’s about reconnection. We’re giving people the chance to get their hands in the soil and be part of a movement that restores our taiao.”
Growing Opportunities for Community and Rangatahi
The nursery is also creating pathways for local learning and collaboration. A developing partnership with EIT will support horticulture training for students, offering real-world experience in a working nursery. Plans are underway to launch school-based programmes and volunteering opportunities to connect the wider community with native planting and conservation efforts.