Today is Centenary Day!
Dr Leonard Cockayne, eminent botanistToday. One hundred years ago, October 12, 1926, the Ōtari Open-air Native Plant Museum was officially opened. It’s key purpose was to protect our unique native flora, and it was the first of its kind in the world. Hats off to botanist Dr Leonard Cockayne and Wellington Director of Parks, John G. MacKenzie, for your vision. To the NZ Institute of Horticulture for promoting the concept, and Wellington City Council for supporting the Ōtari location. Thank you also farmer Job Wilton, for protecting the original northern rātā/podocarp forest that made Ōtari such a perfect fit for what is now the Ōtari Native Botanic Garden. Final kudos to current Ōtari Manager, Tim Park, all the Ōtari staff and Trust volunteers, for working together to make Ōtari look so good, today and every day. Some 1100 native plants, including around 400 rare and endangered species, are cared for here. With adjoining Wilton’s Bush Reserve, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a six-star Garden of International Significance. It’s a place for botanists and scientists, local families and friends and international visitors.
An official function today will mark the opening at 3pm, the exact time of the original ceremony in 1926.
Posted: 12 October 2026