South Head Landowners Lead the Way in Native Planting

Over the winter months, a major restoration project has begun on South Head, where more than 60,000 native plants are being established and nearly 2 kilometres of fencing installed to protect the area. The work is transforming a cutover pine block into what will become a thriving native corridor, thanks to the dedication of local landowners Craig and Lynette Ross and funding support from Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR).

Craig and Lynette have deep roots in the South Head community, raising their family and running their business here over many years. Their connection to the whenua and commitment to its future are clear in the scale of this project, which represents both a significant personal investment and a long-term vision for restoration.

With expert guidance from KMR plant specialist Dave McDermott and The Forest Bridge Trust Fencing and Planting Advisor Angela Parkin, the Ross family’s dream of restoring a green corridor linking the hills behind their home down to the Kaipara Harbour coast is steadily taking shape.

Importantly, this project is about more than just planting trees. By restoring the headwaters of tributaries that flow directly into the Kaipara Moana, Craig and Lynette are contributing to the health and mauri of the Harbour itself , a vital step in improving water quality, biodiversity, and resilience across the catchment.

This ongoing mahi is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local landowners, community groups, and support agencies work together. The Ross family’s leadership shows how restoration at the property scale can have a lasting impact, not just for the land, but for the wider Kaipara Harbour and the generations to come.

If you are interested in learning about Fencing and Planting grants please contact Angela or visit The Kaipara Moana Remediation Website.