Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust is a Wānaka community-based native plant nursery that specialises in propagating plants of local origin (Upper Clutha region) and uses these plants for localised native habitat restoration. Our work benefits the community at large as we engage people to care for their land and work together in support of native habitat restoration. Volunteers retain knowledge about propagation techniques and care of native plants. Our work also involves local community groups, schools, councils, organisations, businesses, as well as individuals, and promotes the importance of native flora and fauna to people of all ages. This is especially important for the younger generations who are exposed to our habitat restoration efforts as they are the ones to continue our legacy for conservation. Loss of habitat through fires, farming and weeds has made it difficult for the survival of our native species, so our work benefits native biodiversity. Native birds, animals and threatened native species flourish from habitat restoration.

Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust is  not-for-profit charitable organisation registered with the NZ Charities, #CC23553.

Te Kākano collects seeds from local areas, with permission from the Dept of Conservation, and grows them at our own community-based nursery. We are assisted by hundreds of volunteers each year who help with pricking, potting on, weeding, planting, watering, etc at the nursery. Once the plants have suitably matured these are planted out at numerous habitat restoration project sites either by our own volunteers or supplied to other organisations who also support habitat restoration. In collaboration with local councils, we also carry out pest control on our project sites.  

Funding for our work is received from a diverse base each year (grants, sponsorship, donations) and the board of trustees ensures that the trust is operated sustainably with funds received. We are also fortunate to receive in-kind products and services from individuals and businesses who are passionate about contributing towards our cause.