Hinewai Reserve, The Art of Letting Nature Live in Peace

New Zealand’s early settlers introduced new animal species, as well as plant species. For example, the silent invasion of European Gorse has cost the country millions of dollars over the years. Neither fire nor chemicals have succeeded in eradicating it from the pastures. However, the Hinewai Reserve has accomplished this incredible feat across more than 1,200 hectares and in a way that might appear too simple to be true. 

Decades ago, the Hinewai Reserve agreed to let gorse invade its land freely in order to regenerate the native forest. The idea seemed so eccentric to everyone that botanist Hugh Wilson was categorized as a madman and a dreamer. Despite storms and conflicts with neighbouring farms and the Regional Council, the Hinewai Reserve remained focused on establishing proof. And after all these years in the field, this experience has shown that shade proves to be the gorse’s Achilles heel. 

And after more than 30 years in this place, Hugh describes his life as follows: “Officially, I’m the manager of Hinewai. I think the Māori word kaitiaki better describes my commitment as a guardian,” he confesses. His secret is to simply allow nature to live in peace with the minimum of human intervention. Thank you, Hugh, for passing on to humanity such a great legacy.

Read more: Hinewai Reserve Website

Short film: Fools and Dreamers: Regenerating a Native Forest

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