E nga rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā me nga rangatahi kei konei, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
I wish to begin by specifically acknowledging: Your Worship The Honourable Andrew Little, Mayor of Wellington; Dr Carol West, Chair of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust; Bec Ramsay, Manager of Wellington Gardens; Tim Park, Team Manager, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. A special welcome to staff, volunteers, and friends of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
Thank you for the warm welcome here today. It is a great pleasure to celebrate your centenary alongside those who have contributed much time and effort towards preserving this precious space.
At its core, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a representation of all that is great about Wellington: abundant native birdlife, thriving greenery, and a team of enthusiastic staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to upholding its beauty for others’ enjoyment.
At the opening of Wilton’s Bush in 1926, Minister of Agriculture O.J Hawken was certain that as ‘time went on the area would be such, he had no doubt, the pride and pleasure of the people.’ A century later, standing here amongst the ever-flourishing landscape, one can find much truth in Mr Hawken’s words. Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush has developed far beyond its original intention as a ‘plant museum’ and now serves many thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife.
A garden is living testament to that purest of human attributes – hope. Those original curators of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush cultivated thousands of native plants with the knowledge that the fruits of their labour would be best enjoyed and tended to by those who came after them. Those who now tread these paths, the birds who enjoy the nectar of the kōwhai, the children who play on the lawn, do so in the footprints of all who have loved and cared for this place.
English artist and poet Minnie Aumonier said, ‘When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.’
What a delight it is to enjoy this wonderful oasis within our capital city – and how lucky we are to be surrounded by flourishing native bird life and greenery within our urban neighbourhoods. Wellingtonians have a deep affinity for nature, and the careful maintenance and ample use of spaces such as this are a shining example.
To be able to access the natural environment so easily in Wellington is to the great credit of many hundreds of volunteers and staff who dedicate hours to its upkeep and protection. The extensive and ongoing effort to eliminate predators from the area – to make Wellington New Zealand’s first predator-free city – is already proving to be of significant benefit for our vulnerable native bird life. For those who undertake the small acts of laying a trap, planting a tree, or watering the flowers, you do so with the knowledge that your contribution will ensure Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush continues to thrive for another century.
On that October day in 1926, the Mayor and Mayoress planted kauri, ‘that in a thousand years, or two thousand years would still be towering to heaven.’ I hope they would be heartened and proud to see how much enjoyment those trees have given the Wellington community and will continue to do so thanks to their generosity and imagination.
To each of you who has contributed to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush over the years, know with pride that your work has supported the pioneering vision laid out here in 1926, one hundred years ago.
Kia kaha, kia manawaanui ki a koutou e huihui mai i tenei ra.