A barrow load of dead kākā destined for the poultry shop, really!? Check out this uplifting cover page story (The Post, 9/3/24) by Stuff journalist, Nicholas Boyack. Read about the fall then rise of Wellington’s kākā population, and the special role played in this first by our Kaiwharawhara neighbour, Zealandia, and now by the generous food sources and old growth forest of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
To read the story, click here.
Posted: 10 March 2024
The Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust is proud to announce the establishment of the Otari-Wilton’s Bush Fund; a fund for the future of native plant conservation at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
The Fund was launched with Wellington’s Nikau Foundation, at a Trust Volunteers function on February 22.
The Otari-Wilton’s Bush Fund will build a reliable funding stream, in perpetuity, to support the long-term vision of the Trust and the next chapter of Otari-Wilton’s Bush. Every dollar donated to the fund will be responsibly invested, and grants supporting the work of the Trust will be delivered every year, once the initial fundraising goal of $100,000 is reached.
The Trust has already contributed $70,000 to kick start the Fund, says Trust Chair, Dr Carol West. “This comes from generous donations from members, and income generated by volunteers involved with guided tours, plant sales and many other activities.”
Through long-term funding provided by the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund, the Trust will support Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush across several aspects, from building public awareness and appreciation of its special native plant collections and original forest, to assisting in conservation and restoration, to enhancing the visitor experience, developing educational opportunities and funding scientific research into native flora.
By gifting to the fund, you will help to ensure that Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush will continue to play an innovative, forward-thinking role in the conservation of New Zealand’s native flora, as it has for almost 100 years. Your contribution will help to pass on the joy and value of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush to future generations.
You can donate to the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund in several ways.
Internet Banking
Westpac - Lambton Quay - 03 0502 0163248 001
Once you have donated, please let the Nikau Foundation team know by emailing with your name, address and noting that you would like to support the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Fund.
Donate online
You can make a donation online on Nikau Foundation’s website by visiting the page below:
https://donorbox.org/otari-wiltons-bush-fund
Leave a gift in your will
Leaving a gift in your will is a powerful way to ensure that Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush continues to be enjoyed for generations to come. To leave a bequest, please contact Nikau Foundation via .
Posted: 23 February 2024
It’s more than a botanical garden collection: Pā Harakeke, now open at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, represents a dedicated cultural resource for weavers. 
Linda Lee, Ōtari Raranga Weavers
Lily Yochay
Pā Harakeke contains a collection of flaxes from around the country, with varieties selected by traditional weaver and researcher, Rene Orchiston, which now form the Manaaki Whenua National Flax Collection. The flaxes were chosen for their special leaf and fibre properties, and include varieties for making kete, whāriki, piupiu and cloaks.
The concept of Ōtari’s Pā Harakeke began in 2019, when the flaxes were planted by then Team Leader Ōtari, Finn Michalak, with design input from the Ōtari Raranga Weavers.
Speaking at the official opening of the Pā, on November 9, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush manager Tim Park said bringing people and plants together is the essence of a botanical garden.
‘These plants are able to be used, these are resources that can strengthen our cultural connections. We are really fortunate to have this collection, and to have the dedicated Linda Lee and Frank Topia, from Ōtari Raranga Weavers, to guide us.
‘We’ve decolonised the signs,’ he added, explaining that reo names had been used for each of the flaxes planted in the pā.
Tim also said he was keen for Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush to expand further into the fields of Mātauranga Māori and develop further plant collections and resources for traditional and cultural use.
Pā HarakekeAlong with Ōtari Raranga Weavers, a strong contingent of Pito-one based weavers, from Te Rōpū Raranga o Manaia supported the opening with karakia and tautoko waiata.
Following the formalities, people took part in a hauhake (harvest) of the harakeke, with Linda Lee explaining the harvesting protocols. Some of the harvest was put to
immediate good use at a raranga wananga (weaving lesson) hosted by Ōtari Raranga Weavers.
Posted: 11 December 2023