The Wainuiomata Native Plant Nursery is a community-run project located within Wainuiomata Regional Park. It is managed by the Lower Hutt and Wellington branches of Forest & Bird in partnership with Greater Wellington Regional Council and was officially opened in July 2021. The nursery was built largely by volunteers and is managed under strict biosecurity protocols to ensure healthy, eco-sourced native plants suited to the Tararua Ecological District.
The nurseries’ main purpose is to grow native plants for local restoration projects in Wainuiomata and the wider Hutt Valley. Seeds are collected from the surrounding area to maintain genetic integrity, and species such as kahikatea, rimu, mataī, miro, rewarewa, and various Coprosma and Carex are cultivated. Once established, these plants are used to restore sites like Baring Head, Manor Park, Waiu Wetland, Waiwhetu Stream, and areas within Wainuiomata Regional Park itself. The nursery can hold up to about 12,000 seedlings at capacity.
Volunteers form the heart of the nurseries’ operations, with community planting sessions typically running for around three hours. The initiative provides a hands-on way for residents to contribute to ecological restoration in their own valley while learning about native flora and habitat recovery.
The Wainuiomata Native Plant Nursery is still active within Wainuiomata Regional Park. Volunteer sessions start at 9.30 am and last about three hours. Those keen to help can join the roster by emailing [email protected].
