13/06/2026
It was great to spend the morning at Papanui Bush with my daughters and local volunteers helping plant native trees and restore one of Christchurch's special natural spaces.
When the First ships arrived in Canterbury, Papanui Bush was about 30 hectares, larger than the 22ha Riccarton that was already being leased by the Deans family. This area was logged within 5 years of the ships arriving. It was a privilege to work alongside other volunteers today to help get Papanui Bush back to something like its original glory. 🌳🌲🌴
Recently, our government committed to permanently double baseline funding the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust if re‑elected, giving the Trust long‑term certainty to work with farmers and landowners to protect New Zealand’s natural heritage. QEII covenants protect places the public conservation estate can’t reach, strengthening wildlife corridors and protecting threatened species. 🔵🔵🔵