Introducing KMR’s newest accredited nursery – The Native Project

A six-year journey has finally come to fruition for South Head’s Anne and Andy Holst, who are the latest accredited nursery to join the Kaipara Moana Remediation whānau.

The farming couple, who mix roles in the travel sector and agricultural contracting, started their purpose-built nursery in 2020.

They have now met the criteria required to join the ranks of KMR and play their part growing the native plants that will help reduce sedimentation and siltation in Kaipara Moana in years to come.

The nursery sits within a 60-hectare farm 16km from Parakai, and while relatively new to the nursery game it is a good fit with their Aotea Angus stud comprising of 30 breeding cows, and from which they sell breeding bulls annually.

The couple say they were encouraged into trying their hands at the new venture by friends in Te Awamutu who have a long-established nursery.

Laughs Anne: “It’s a bit like children. You give them a bit of food and water and shelter and they will grow!”

“The rewarding part is seeing the plants at the end and knowing your plants are on other people’s properties and doing good things for the environment. We learnt very quickly we can grow plants so that was a confidence booster and other nurseries have been really supportive and helpful.”

Anne and Andy know plenty about growing and planting natives having put 120,000 species in the ground on an 11-hectare former forestry block on the property.

“We source our seeds locally and that is important. We have some old established mānuka and kānuka from local farms, coprosma on the side of the roads nearby and 100-year-old flax from Helensville. It’s safe to say those seeds are going to grow well here.

“The beauty of KMR is that the co-funding is there to use, so if you have a planting project you want to do and fit the criteria it’s just a matter of applying. I just think the whole idea behind KMR is great. For us, coming on board is great because this is the year we are ramping up in the nursery,” says Andy.

The couple say their nursery is an ongoing project, providing trees and plants for riparian and wetland zones where native vegetation is desirable.

“We grow plants for farm shelter, revegetation and to enhance our environment and that of the flora and fauna in which we share this land.”

Rodney Local Board Chairperson Guy Wishart attended a community open day at the Native Project and was impressed.

“It was great to see the local community turning up and enthusiastically supporting the Native Project open day event,” says Guy.

“I had lots of good conversations and appreciated the depth of knowledge and support for Kaipara Moana Remediation process.”

KMR’s David McDermott, Planting Specialist – Nursery Liaison, says The Native Project’s location near the shores of Kaipara Moana has extra special meaning.

“Ecologically, the sand-country of South Head is a really important part of the catchment. There are also a lot of proactive farmers out here who are keen to do their part for the Kaipara Harbour. As soon as Anne and Andy met our criteria, it was a no brainer to get them on board,” says David.

“The Native Project is the only KMR nursery in South Head. They are growing plants accustomed to the area, so local landowners wanting to do large scale planting know the plants they source have the best chance of surviving and thriving.

“Importantly, the KMR kaupapa is also about supporting local businesses to flourish and to strengthen local remediation networks – nurseries, contractors, volunteers and landowners. The Native Project is a strong example of that in action.”

For now, the focus for Anne and Andy is on enjoying their hard work and their journey with the KMR kaupapa.

Image (left to right): The Native Project’s Andy and Anne Holst, KMR Field Advisors Shona Oliver and Hamish Stewart.