News

Half a day makes a difference

They’ve only just started and already they’ve made a difference. Our new volunteer track gang made its debut on the access track into Kaiwharawhara Valley from Ian Galloway Park. Previously this was a narrow track, rutted by a water channel running down the middle. Working with Ōtari groundsman, Martin McCrudden, our fledgling team of Charlie, Reuben and Venkat made good use of grubbers and spades to level the track and chip a swale for drainage. The new track maintenance group is the Trust’s seventh volunteer activity, supported by around 200 volunteers at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. The new group will meet on the 4th Thursday morning every month. Email us if you’re keen to join:

Posted: 30 May 2026

New Volunteer Group digging in

Ever wanted to try a bit of track work, in a beautiful native forest? Handy with a spade, or grubber, or pruners? The Trust is adding yet another volunteer activity to its extensive list, this one helping Ōtari staff keep our popular tracks tidy, drained, and easy to negotiate. Staff will guide you so no specialised skills required, just a bit of energy and positive approach. The group will meet monthly, on the last Thursday morning of the month, from 9am to 12. Yes, there will be morning tea/coffee and cookies. First session starts Thursday May 28th. Any questions? Email: . Otherwise, just meet up by the southern Ōtari track entrance, by the West Suburbs Rugby Club at Ian Galloway Park, at 9am. Look out for Martin and Kathy. Tools supplied.

Posted: 21 May 2026

Love for the Lions Lab

From left: Lee Oliver (VuW), Carlos Lehnebach (Te Papa), Carol West (Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust), Crs Matthew Reweti, Sam O’Brien, Laurie Foon and Ben McNulty (with the mahoe), Johnny Osborne and ecologist Rob Smith.We’re feeling loved. A huge thanks to everyone who supported the Lions Ōtari Plant Conservation Laboratory with oral submissions on the Council’s Annual Plan 2026/27. As part of Council’s cost-cutting aims, a $211,000 cut proposed for the Lab would effectively lead to its immediate closure, the loss of our valued Research Technician along with irreplaceable plants and seeds. The Trust, Karori Lions (who largely funded the Lab’s establishment in 2018), ecologist Rob Smith, and partners representing DOC, Te Papa Tongarewa, Te Herenga Waka- Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington BotSoc all delivered compelling reasons to retain the Lab. Submitters asked for lesser funding that would keep the lab open and allow time for developing a viable long term future for the Lab. Councillors were largely receptive, especially when engaging with rare Cooper’s Black and Swamp greenhood native orchids, brought along by Te Papa Botany Curator Carlos Lehnebach, and a Cook Strait mahoe, Melicytus orarius. Trust Chair Carol West explained to Councillors how Taputeranga motu is a local stronghold for this rare mahoe, which is pollinated by geckos and difficult to germinate. Research at the Lab established the best conditions for germination are underneath their own canopy, now several seedlings are flourishing at Ōtari. Thanks, too, to other organisations (Wellington Forest & Bird) and individuals who we know sent persuasive submissions.

See updated story: Brief reprieve for the Lab

Posted: 15 May 2026