Book an Experience, Plant a Tree
At Te Aratipi, every visit plants more than just memories. For each experience booked, we’ll plant a tree thanks to you, giving you the chance to leave a lasting impact on the land. By sharing in this journey, you’re helping us grow our farm and nurture the environment for generations to come. This reflects the heart of Kaitiakitanga—our commitment to being guardians of the land. Every visitor becomes a Kaitiaki, contributing to the protection and preservation of our whenua (land) and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Together, we make a real difference.
Starting in 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new tradition—an annual planting day on the Saturday of every Matariki weekend. We invite you to be part of this special event, planting trees and celebrating the season of renewal with a long lunch afterwards. Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time to reflect, prepare, and plan for the future. As thousands of native trees are planted across Aotearoa, we’ll be doing the same, growing a legacy that honors the spirit of Kaitiakitanga and supports the health of our land for years to come.
Green projects on the go…
Erosion Control at Te Aratipi
In 2011, a severe storm caused significant erosion damage at Te Aratipi. Interestingly, Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 resulted in much less impact. Erosion not only decreases farm productivity but also affects regional water quality and biodiversity.
Since 2021, we've partnered with the Hawkes Bay Regional Council’s Erosion Control Scheme, receiving financial support and trees to manage erosion-prone land. By space-planting poplar and willow poles in vulnerable areas, we’ve reduced erosion by up to 80%. These trees, with their high root mass and rapid growth, also improve water quality along our farm’s waterways.
Why Not Native Plants?
Native vegetation traditionally stabilizes New Zealand’s soil, but only a few species rapidly colonize bare soil. As a result, faster-growing exotic species are often used for quick erosion control, while native plants are reserved for areas with specific conservation or aesthetic value.
Although native species may not always be suitable for immediate erosion control, they are effective for stabilizing exposed, stable surfaces and preventing further erosion. Native plants also enhance visual appeal and ecological health, offering long-term resilience that can surpass non-native species.
Currently, we use exotic plants for their rapid establishment. However, native plants will be exclusively utilized in future waterway projects, land retirement projects, and QEII initiatives.
Green projects on the go…
Eastern and Western Bush Conservation and Wetland Restoration
We’re partnering with the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, QEII National Trust, and the Waingongoro Freshwater Improvement Fund to establish a new covenant across two bush blocks on Te Aratipi. Our goal is to restore the bush and adjacent wetland to optimal ecological health by enhancing the natural bush understorey and wetland vegetation native to the site.
Currently grazed, the area will be fenced and replanted to promote natural regeneration using existing seed sources. This will support the recovery of the understory, aid in the recruitment of canopy trees, and help prevent long-term canopy collapse.
The spring-fed wetland, which forms the head of the Waingongoro Stream, will see improved downstream water quality due to these efforts. The Waingongoro River, which originates from our farm’s freshwater springs and flows through significant wetlands to Waimārama, holds spiritual and cultural importance for local Māori. Historically, water quality has declined due to habitat loss, erosion, and farming-related contamination. Local iwi, hāpu, schools, the community, and neighboring Horizons Farming are collaborating on this project to restore the river’s health and ensure its vitality for future generations.
Te Aratipi Bush Conservation
In 2022, with support from the Hawke's Bay Regional Council and QEII National Trust, we dedicated 13.5 hectares of our farm to preserve 'Te Aratipi Bush,' a key remnant of native bush on the Maraetōtara Plateau. This area, one of the most valuable on the plateau, was fenced off, stock removed, pest control implemented, and native plants established.
Our commitment reflects our dedication to preserving our land's natural heritage and creating a lasting legacy. By conserving this unique ecosystem, we aim to ensure future generations benefit from its biodiversity and play a vital role in protecting endangered species.
Native Flora: Supplejack, Kawakawa, Pigeonwood, Mahoe, Titoki, Rimu, Tawa, Rewarewa.
Native Fauna: Rifleman, Tui, Woodpigeon, North Island Robin, Long-tailed bats, and various endemic geckos and skinks.
Green projects on the go…
Maraetotara Tree Trust
The Maraetotara Tree Trust is committed to restoring the 43km Maraetotara River, from the Maraetotara Valley to Te Awanga beach in Hawke’s Bay. Since 2002, in partnership with the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, the Trust has been removing willows, fencing riverside margins, and planting native trees grown from local seeds and cuttings.
The vision is to develop a lush, continuous corridor along the river, enhancing the ecosystem and creating habitats for native plants, birds, and wildlife. Historically, the river suffered from livestock pollution, willow infestation, and neglected margins. Thanks to the Trust’s efforts, the river is now showing signs of revival, with improved water quality and biodiversity.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
The Maraetotara Tree Trust and the community are enthusiastic about continuing their vital work to ensure a cleaner, greener river benefits both the local area and the broader Hawke’s Bay region. A section of the Maraetotara River runs through our farm, where the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has already removed and burned willows and debris, us the Lawsonianas.
Next, we’ll be fencing off the waterway, with plans to plant native species along our stretch of the river in winter 2025. This initiative will contribute to the Trust’s vision of a thriving, continuous riparian corridor.
