QEII Protected Nature Sanctuary
Aotearoa (New Zealand)
From Paddocks to Sanctuary
"I am really pleased with how the covenant is progressing and it is amazing what you have achieved in a couple of years. There is not much else to say other than thank you for your amazing effort and keep up the good work"
Tom Stein
Regional Representative | Kaiwhakarite ā-Rohe Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman | Te Tauihu QEII National Trust | Ngā Kairauhi Papa
Kia ora!
We're on a mission to transform and restore our 24 hectare (55 acre) hill-country farm to once again be a flourishing haven for native wildlife, and we invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey.
Six years ago, we took a leap of faith. We fenced off and planted out 5 hectares (12 acres) of our farm. Our efforts, dedication and care have been recognised by the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) which granted us a covenant, meaning our nature sanctuary is protected forever.
Our sanctuary, Higgenz Bush, as we called it, showcases nature's incredible ability to bounce back when we restore native habitats:
- Tui and kereru have returned, their calls echoing through the canopy
- Indigenous plant species are flourishing once more
- The bush provides a sanctuary for us all to learn and connect with nature
But we're not stopping there!
Planting Project 2025
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2025 planting plan
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Before planting - close up
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After planting - close up
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Picking up bamboo stakes
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Reclaiming fencing materials
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Plants ready to be planted
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The team from Horizons
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Planting progress photo 1
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Planting progress photo 2
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Planting progress photo - complete!
We're thrilled to announce the successful completion of our 2025 planting project!
What Your Support Helped Achieve:
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Plants purchased: We were able to purchase all required plants.
570 pioneer species trees (from eco-sourced seeds) were planted over almost 1 hectare (1.25 acres), supplied by Westbank Natives.
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Fencing completed: We installed 92m (300ft) of fencing ourselves.
Using mostly recycled fencing materials from carefully dismantling an unneeded fence.
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Planting completed: Plants were planted between June and July 2025.
The Horizons team (email) got them planted despite two 1 in 100 year storms!
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Community partnerships: A local business has stepped up to help us.
Over 600 second-hand bamboo stakes for the plant guards were kindly donated by Waimea Nurseries. Thank you!
Our Plans for 2026
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2026 planned areas
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2026 Option 2
Building on our successful 2025 planting project, we're ready for the next phase of restoration.
This year, we're giving our community the power to choose which project we tackle next - or if we're overwhelmed with support, we'll do both!
What Your Support Will Achieve:
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Option 1: Connect the Dots Part 1 - 0.25HA, 600 plants, 50m fencing
Fence off a strategic portion on the far side of our farm to expand a 200 plant area established in 2024, expanding our protected habitat network.
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Option 2: Gully Restoration Expansion - 1HA, 2250 plants, no fencing
Transform a whole paddock located next to the existing protected gullies into native habitat, providing additional erosion protection and wildlife habitat.
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Dream Big Option: BOTH PROJECTS! - 1.25HA, 2850 plants, 50m fencing
If we receive overwhelming community support, we'll tackle both projects in 2026, adding 1.25 hectares and bringing our total protected area to 7.25 hectares! (18 acres)
Find all the details in our 2026 plan blog post
Kārearea Falcon Trust
We are very proud to be sponsoring Olive, a rescued kārearea (falcon) at the Kārearea Falcon Trust.
Olive was found with a badly broken wing and was nursed back to health by incredible volunteers and staff at the Kārearea Falcon Trust in Marlborough.
This isn't just our project - it's a community effort to restore and protect a piece of Aotearoa for future generations.
By supporting us, you're becoming part of our extended whanau (family), helping to nurture this land back to health.
We've already seen the incredible impact that 5 hectares can have. Imagine what we could achieve together with your help to expand the restoration.
Join us in growing this sanctuary
Your contribution, whatever its size, will help restore and protect this precious area in Aotearoa:
- $25 could plant and nurture one native tree
- $100 could fund one meter of protective fencing or create part of a walking trail
- $250 could support both fencing and planting for a section
- $500 could help restore a significant habitat area