| 49 Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Plant Hawkes Bay Ltd Native nursery earns environmental award The nursery’s work spans everything from wetland restoration and riparian planting to farm shelterbelts, erosion control projects, and infrastructure and roading projects. Anne Boswell A passion for restoring local landscapes and protecting the unique natural heritage of Hawke’s Bay sits at the heart of Plant Hawkes Bay Ltd’s work – and that commitment has seen the native plant nursery recognised as a finalist in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the East Coast region. Established in 2005, the business has grown steadily over two decades. In 2020 it was restructured into a joint venture, and the purchase of an existing nursery site at Waiohiki, Napier, seven years ago has supported the business’ opportunity for growth into the future. Plant Hawkes Bay specialises in supplying customers with eco-sourced Hawke’s Bay native plants, nurtured specifically for the landscape and conditions found in Hawke’s Bay. While around 90% of Plant Hawkes Bay’s crop is made up of locally sourced species, the nursery also grows poplars from rooted cuttings for erosion control – a method chosen for its improved success rate – as well as Himalayan oaks for pastoral farming systems. Plant Hawke’s Bay client base is diverse and includes farmers, conservation groups, developers, landscapers and councils, managing director Marie Taylor says. The nursery’s work spans everything from wetland restoration and riparian planting to farm shelterbelts, erosion control projects, and infrastructure and roading projects. Seeds are carefully sourced from naturally occurring indigenous populations throughout Hawke’s Bay, with the team travelling the region during summer and autumn to collect seed from original wild plants wherever possible. “This eco-sourcing approach ensures plants are adapted to local conditions, protecting local biodiversity,” Marie says. “Landscape and plants are what help define an area and should be treasured.” Looking ahead, the nursery sees strong opportunities for growth across the region, particularly with roading projects such as the Hawke’s Bay expressway on the horizon. Plant Hawke’s Bay Ltd is proud to hold Plant Pass certification, a national biosecurity standard for the nursery industry in New Zealand. Plant Hawkes Bay Ltd is currently the only native plant nursery in Hawke’s Bay to hold the certification. “Plant Pass has been beneficial for us,” Marie says. “It sets the standard for traceability and pest and disease control. And it assures our customers that we have good standards in the nursery, too.” Recognition in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards has been encouraging and affirming for the business. “To be nominated as a finalist for the East Coast region is a validation of our business approach,” Marie says. “It is a privilege to be a finalist. It is good to stretch your business by entering awards such as these.” Like many Hawke’s Bay businesses, the nursery continues to recover from the impact of Cyclone more grit. Delivering value every step of the way. Proudly Supporting Plant Hawke’s Bay Ltd 06 835 3682 | property@morice.co.nz morice.co.nz www.gbml.co.nz Anthony and the team at Broad Electrical Services deliver professional electrical solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, and rural clients across the region. Our experienced electricians specialise in general electrical work, water infrastructure including pumping and irrigation systems, and switchboard design, manufacture, and upgrades. Hawke’s Bay Electricians With full in-house capability, we manage projects from custom electrical drawings through to switchboard manufacturing and traffic management, delivering reliable solutions for projects of any size. Ph: 027 778 8060 | E: anthony@broadelectricalservices.co.nz | www.broadelectricalservices.co.nz Gabrielle, which saw floodwater reach 3.5 metres across the property. Despite the setback the team remains determined about the future, restoring the native plant population of Hawke’s Bay one specimen at a time.
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