about us
Our Story
Surrounded by the pre-historic Whirinaki Forest, (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 the Whirinaki Forest from pine 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 Forest 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.
about us
Minginui
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.
about us
Our Team
Our team of kaitiaki are made up of 30 permanent and seasonal casual staff. The team is lead by our Nursery Manager, Matt Jackman. Matt has over 30 years experience in horticulture covering a number of disciplines, including landscaping, garden center management, orchard and plant nursery management. The past 20 years, Matt has specifically been involved in the growing of native plants.
The team is also supported by four team leaders, including a nursery technician who specialises in the germination and podocarp cuttings function of the operation. Our team of kaitiaki ensure that the nursery is operating effectively, and our plants are carefully looked after and monitored.
Our drivers are fully licensed and trained to transport our plants safely.
All of the Minginui Nursery permanent staff are currently engaged in NZQA Nursery Production Level 2 to 4.
about us
Vision, Mission and Values
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.
about us
Structure
Minginui Nursery Limited Partnership is wholly owned by Ngāti Whare Holdings Limited. Ngāti Whare is an iwi (tribe) of the central North Island, whose customary rohe (territory) runs through the south-west Urewera and parts of the Kaingaroa region, including the area known as Te Whaiti-nui-a-Toi. Ngāti Whare takes its name from the eponymous ancestor Wharepakau. Together with his nephew Tangiharuru (the progenitor of Ngāti Manawa) and their followers, Wharepakau conquered Te Marangaranga, the original inhabitants of the western Urewera/Kaingaroa area, some time in the early 1600s. Ngāti Whare and their close neighbours Ngāti Manawa have remained resident on these lands ever since.
Ngāti Whare Holdings Limited is the Ngāti Whare Group’s commercial entity. The Company was established in 2009 as a vehicle to receive and manage settlement redress received from the Crown as part of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
The Ngāti Whare Holdings Limited Vision (Te Huapae) is “Economic advancement for Ngāti Whare”.
The Ngāti Whare Holdings Limited Mission Statement (Te Kaupapa) is “To create long term wealth and opportunities for Ngāti Whare”.
The Company operates with a Board of Directors – Rick Braddock, Ian Hulton and Bronco Carson. The organisation is lead by CEO Mere George and her team.
