Exemplar biodiverse native plant nursery
A hive of activity playing a vital role in regenerating nature
We eco-source, propagate and pot up tens of thousands of native plants every year to help restore the bush for our native birds, animals and plants, and remove carbon from the atmosphere. Our community-driven, chemical-free kaupapa reflects a regenerative, whole system approach.
The plants are used in restoring local reserves, and to supply groups and individuals for their restoration projects. Community involvement and learning are crucial to our work – it is really important to us that there is an educational component for our volunteers when they come to us. We rely on the combined effort of our staff and volunteers to keep our nurseries and restoration work going.
Looking for greater diversity or a specific species? Get in touch!
We continue to expand our range of plants to support biodiversity of our ngahere, which is under threat. Biodiversity can help provide greater stability and resilience while navigating changes due to climate change.
Growing a wide range of plants (80+ species!), we offer a true library of native plants, including less common, yet equally important species that play a part in our ngahere. We grow trees, shrubs, groundcover, grasses, harakeke, ferns, climbers and palms.
We are EcoBank certified supplier, an Auckland Council initiative that enables developers and landowners to offset the environmental impacts of their developments on our waterways. As a certified supplier, we act as your ecological partner and carry out projects to achieve long-term ecological outcomes. Read more.
Weekly volunteer opportunities
We provide volunteer opportunities at two nursery sites. Activities include propagating plants, pricking out seedlings, potting small plants, weeding, moving plants, tidying in and around the nursery, and may also be involved in controlling invasive weeds and planting in the local reserves.
A variety of tasks are available to suit different people. Simply register here for a Volunteer Induction Session before starting to volunteer where we cover what's involved. After that you can turn up as little or as often as you like.
When coming along please wear closed shoes, bring sun block, sun hat, water and a raincoat if it rains. A reasonable level of mobility and the ability to follow simple instructions if necessary. Gloves are provided but are not personal.
- Birkdale nursery, 17 Lauderdale Road, Birkdale
- Nursery volunteering: Mondays & Thursdays, 9am – 12pm (winter hours 10am-1pm)
- Garden volunteering: Thursdays, 9am – 12pm (winter hours 10am-1pm)
- Engine Bay nursery, Cnr. Bomb Point Drive & Mollusc Road, Hobsonville Point
- Nursery, gardening & compost hub volunteering: Wednesdays, 9am - 12pm
Activities: relating mainly to native plant propagation, potting small plants, weeding, moving plants, tidying in and around the nursery and garden, planting seedlings, attending to garden and harvesting vegetables.