Native Garden Nursery

The Native Garden Nursery at Makaraka has recently been purchased by Rongowhakaata. This acquisition is a step towards restoring Rongowhakaata vitality to Tūranga places, people and toi.

As recent events have highlighted, the well-being of our whenua, awa, and moana are inextricably connected to the well-being of people. Plants seeded at the nursery will contribute to the revitalisation of our taiao spaces as well as to traditional practises such as raranga, whakairo and other mahi toi - including restorations to whare like Te Hau ki Tūranga.

Established in 1995 by Lana and Nigel Hope, the Native Garden Nursery was the couple’s way of expressing their love and passion for our native bush. They acknowledge that native plants are often seen as difficult to grow in comparison to exotics. Over the years, the couple have developed practical and environmentally friendly methods to streamline the growing process.

Seeds are eco- sourced locally and sown on site, irrigation is monitored, and the use of disposable plastics is minimised. These environmentally conscious ideals and the holistic approach to business is something that aligns with iwi values – and is something that not only will be maintained but grown.

Rongowhakaata brings with it an abundance of matauranga and an indigeneity that will complement the current business model.

Commercially, the venture is also sound. As the only iwi owned native plant nursery in the region, there is an opportunity to develop a unique value proposition that provides customers access to plants and practices that have authenticity, provenance and sustainability.

Lana will continue to manage the business and sees the purchase by Rongowhakaata as exciting and energising. She says vitality comes from revitalising our taiao – and believes that everyone can play a part.

The nursery is located at 56 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne, and is open Monday to Thursday for trade and plant order pick ups and Friday to the public for browsing 8am – 4.30pm.

Ph 06 868 4483

CONNECTION TO MAKARAKA

The Native Plant Nursery in Makaraka is in the rohe of Ngai Tāwhiri and Te Whanau ā Iwi - and not far from Tārere Marae.

During the 1860s, the number of Pakeha settlers in Makaraka was steadily increasing, and their dominance was ultimately cemented during the attack on Waerenga-ā-Hika in 1865. The aftermath of Te Kooti's unjust exile to Rekohu, his subsequent return two years later, and the loss of his land in Matawhero had severe and long-lasting consequences. To ensure the safety and protection of their people, prominent tribal leaders of the time gifted large tracts of tribal land to wealthy Pakeha patrons. This allowed Pakeha occupation of Makaraka to be the final stage in removing Rongowhakaata connections to this area.

He iho e kore nei e mataara te wewete – our connection however can never be truly severed.