Dive into Minginui Nursery

Surrounded by the pre-historic Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, (described by David Bellamy as “one of the best Mesozoic plant communities remaining Earth”) the Minginui Nursery was formed out of the unique relationship between the forest, Ngāti Whare and Scion – unifying nature, Māori and science.

The idea to establish a native tree nursery was developed as a result of the need to regenerate 640 hectares of pine plantation to native. This need is part of the settlement between Ngāti Whare and the Crown. The section that the nursery is established on, is the old Forest Service building. As part of the settlement, Ngāti Whare, through a joint trust with the Crown were asked to regenerate the land back to its former state as part of the Whirinaki Forest Park. From this agreement with the Crown, Ngāti Whare will use the Minginui nursery to grow the native trees so that once the pine trees are harvested, these can be replanted with native.

Minginui Nursery is a purely native tree nursery specialising in revegetation plants. Our plants have predominantly been propagated from seeds sourced from the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park but we have the capability to eco-source from other regions. We ensure our plants are carefully nurtured in a series of poly-houses, before being hardened for approximately six months in the tough open Minginui environment.

Customers all over Aotearoa can obtain native plants for riparian planting or returning disused land to native, or simply planting in the household garden. With the capacity to grow over 1,000,000 plants per year the Minginui Nursery is able to supply pure, cold-hardy natives on a commercial scale with orders delivered right to the customer’s door.

Minginui Nursery is dedicated to utilising rapid propagation technology and the Ngāti Whare unique bond and understanding of the forest to build a new sustainable indigenous forestry industry in New Zealand.

Minginui is a small town located in the Bay of Plenty region, within the Whakatāne District in the North Island of New Zealand. Minginui has a total population of 1,335 people (2013 Census). The population reached its peak during the 1980’s due to the significant participation within the forestry industry. The population has since declined due to the sale of plantation forests in 1989 and disestablishment of the Forest Service, causing a significant amount of job losses in and around Minginui.

By providing employment for locals within Minginui, the nursery provides Ngāti Whare with a real opportunity to lift economic development within the region.

This content is currently being updated.

Te Huapae / Vision Statement

A sustainable plant producer widely recognised for its expertise, innovation and quality

Te Kaupapa / Mission Statement

Regenerating Aotearoa – Growing Trees, Growing People and Growing Iwi

Ngā Mātāpono / Values

Wharepākautanga           Preserving our Ngati Whare identity.
Kotahitanga                      To maintain and promote unity of purpose.
Kaitiakitanga                     Sustainable development of the Ngāti Whare people, environment, and economy.

Rangatiratanga                Demonstrating positive leadership.
Manaakitanga                  Caring for each other and our visitors; having a customer focus
Pono                                   Honesty in ones words.
Tika                                     Integrity in ones actions.
Whanaungatanga            Enhancing relationships that enrich the prosperity of Ngāti Whare.
Pukenga                             Growing Capability and dedicated to providing quality plants and advice.