News • Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust

Ōtari Wayfinding Ways Launched

It’s done. After an early karakia whakatūwhera on Tuesday September 9, the wrapping came off new wayfinding signs, maps and trailside bollards throughout Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Te Kura a Ōtari kapa haka group braved the rain to add a special touch to the ceremony. Now it’s your turn – come and explore the five trails and circuits designed to suit everyone’s different needs and fitness. Check out the new mapboards, and pick up one or all of the three new brochures (Forest Tracks, Ōtari Native Botanic Garden and Te Ara Koukouoro Nature Trail). All brochures are available in both English and reo Māori. The new trail names reflect the cultural and natural landscape, and were gifted by mana whenua, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko Te Ika. No new tracks have actually been created and all your old favourites are still there - this new concept is particularly aiming to help newcomers to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, or those unsure of where to explore. Get your walking shoes on!

Posted: 11 September 2025

Welcome to our new gardener

Or rather, welcome back! Lucy Williams, just appointed to the role of Gardener – Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, is returning after spending four months here as an apprentice last summer. Lucy has completed a BSc, majoring in Zoology and Ecology, worked in a Nelson retail nursery for two years and began her Amenity Horticulture Apprenticeship with WCC’s Wellington Gardens last year. Her interest in native species stems from the huge diversity of plants she discovered while tramping around the hills of Nelson and Tasman. At Ōtari, she’s looking forward to learning more about our threatened species, being part of projects such as the conservation of rātā moehau (metrosideros bartlettii), and working with the Ōtari team again. ‘It’s awesome to work alongside a group so passionate about caring for native species.’ With Megan Ireland also returning from a six-month secondment to Wellington Botanical Gardens, Ōtari now has a full complement of gardening staff.

Posted: 2 August 2025

Matariki, te taiao ora and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

The celebration of Matariki is intrinsically linked to te taiao, the natural world and the interconnection with people and nature. Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush fits well within te taiao. Let’s consider some of the Matariki cluster of stars, and their influence. Waipuna-ā-rangi welcomes the winter rains that nourish our ngahere (forest) and gardens. Waiti watches over the streams and waterfalls. Tupu-ā-rangi looks out for the ngahere, manu (birds) and all the other native wildlife that make our forests thrive, and which our community works to protect through weeding and predator control. Tupu-ā-nuku encourages us to consider what we plant, with special interest in our edible plants. In Ōtari, for just some examples, the native uhurere, or pūhā (pictured), kawakawa (pepper tree), kokihi (NZ spinach), and tī kōuka (cabbage tree) all thrive. And Matariki, the mother of all the stars in the cluster, gathers everyone together, connects them with our environment and inspires people to do the same. This is the essence of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Come visit us. Mānawatia a Matariki.

Posted: 20 June 2025

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