Ōkārito Plant Project
Grasping the mission of the Ōkārito Plant Project begins with recognising the intrinsic interconnectedness of our natural world. Located in South Westland, New Zealand, our work unfolds at various intersections between the Southern Alps' snowfields and the complex network of waterways flowing into the Ōkārito Lagoon.
Inspired by the Ōkārito Lagoon's susceptibility to pollution combined with a surplus of plant inventory at the Ōkārito Nursery, this innovative circular economy project was born and is made up of four key pillars; businesses, visitors to the area, landowners and the community. It is so much more than just a donation-based initiative and offers multiple channels in which all can get involved and benefit. Planting projects, hand-picked by our specialist team offer businesses a chance to contribute both physically (getting their hands dirty out in the field) and financially to environmental restoration efforts. Our focus is on enabling communities to rejuvenate and protect their natural ecosystems for future generations. We endeavor to restore and purify waterways, wetlands and forests, enhancing biodiversity and promoting wildlife prosperity along the way. This project embodies the principle that everything in nature is interlinked, and it's vital to preserve these connections from their source to the sea, mirroring the interconnectedness of all parties involved in this vital conservation effort.
Restoring natural habitat for our future.
Latest Plant Project News
Circular Model
Businesses can become corporate members of the project and reap benefits by attracting visitors and tourists who are interested in immersive experiences and are committed to supporting businesses that are actively contributing to the enhancement of biodiversity and sustainable tourism. In turn, these businesses not only enrich the visitor experience and help to build awareness of the vital need to work towards a sustainable future but also assist landowners in improving biodiversity and water quality by making financial contributions and providing volunteer labor for planting activities. This collaborative effort fosters stronger connections among various community sectors, creating a more integrated and sustainable environment.
Landowners reap substantial benefits by partnering with our project, such as increased biodiversity on their waterways leading to healthier lands, an advantage further enhanced by receiving the koha of plants from our nursery, labor, and expert advice with planting plan consultation from our team and New Zealand Landcare Trust. Some landowners purely wish to establish an area of land to be untouched and preserved for wildlife. This collaboration not only strengthens landowners' connection with the tourism sector and partner businesses but also boosts community integration. Landowners contribute to the community by creating quality habitats for bird life and native species to flourish on their properties - a significant community boon. Additionally, they offer practical learning spaces for volunteers, students, and community members, fostering an environment of hands-on education and engagement.
Visitors to the area can gain gratifying, educational and enriching experiences by engaging with the local tourism businesses that are official members of the project. Each member business integrates learning about the significance of the plant project and its contribution to regenerative tourism into its product/service. Visitors have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the West Coast simply by supporting local and member businesses, boosting the local economy and fostering more plantings, as these businesses leverage visitor contributions to coordinate volunteer efforts and time.
Communities prosper through the restoration of the natural environment that surrounds them. The project acts as an enlightening tool, fostering increased community awareness about the critical need for regenerative tourism, which in turn promotes sustainable practices and businesses. This further enhances biodiversity, subsequently nurturing stronger ties among diverse community sectors. Visitors are presented with opportunities to gain a more profound understanding of how communities can effectively work together at all levels, thus facilitating a sustainable tourism framework that benefits all. The cycle continues, reverting these benefits back to businesses, landowners, and beyond, thereby creating a perpetual cycle of sustainability and expansion.
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How To Get Involved
Businesses can get involved by:
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Becoming an official member
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Making a donation
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Purchasing plants from our nursery
BUSINESS
Members of the community can get involved by:
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Purchasing plants from our nursery
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Making a donation
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Volunteering on planting days
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Spreading the word!
COMMUNITY
Landowners can get involved by:
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Becoming a member (riparian planting on your property).
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Making a donation
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Purchasing plants
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Volunteering
LANDOWNER
Visitors can get involved by:
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Booking a tour or buying a product from our member businesses.
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Making a donation
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Purchasing a plant
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Volunteering during a planting day
VISITOR
Become a Member
Creating enduring collaborations with tourism industry operators fosters opportunities for people and businesses to contribute to the health of the natural environment in South Westland. Joining hands with the Ōkārito Plant Project (OPP) as an official member brings in a host of benefits for businesses and landowners alike.
Join us in our mission to safeguard and rejuvenate our stunning ecosystem. Together, we can ensure clean water for its entire journey - from the snowy peaks to the sea.
Member Benefits
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Contribute to the restoration and enhancement of areas with indigenous ecological habitat and the expansion of employment opportunities in South Westland which tourism businesses rely on so heavily to offer their product/service.
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Showcase the partnership and build recognition as a responsible and conscious entity attracting visitors to the area who hold a strong sense of responsibility towards sustainable travel and are seeking businesses that align with their core values.
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Enriching the experience for customers engaging with your product and/or service by integrating the story of The Plant Project as one way that your business is contributing to sustainable tourism. Educate and raise awareness.
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Enhance sustainability culture and knowledge within the business along with team-building opportunities out on the field.
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Support landowners to create wildlife corridors, increase biodiversity on farms and avoid the degradation of wetlands and streams.
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Brand exposure as an official partner through all Okarito Native Plants Trust media including member announcement campaign.
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Deepen the connection with the wider community.
Ethos
Business operators and landowners who wish to forge an enduring membership with the Ōkārito Plant Project must share the following key principles and values:
• The best interests of the membership must be placed above those of
individual persons or the businesses/land they represent.
• Member behaviour must enhance the mana of the project.
• Projects chosen must bring environmental benefits along with
cultural and social benefits to the broader South Westland community.
• Business members are required to contribute financially and through in-kind support/volunteer days where business employees are practically involved in project tasks.
