Project Overview

The Brief

The project required the large-scale propagation and delivery of eco-sourced kanuka seedlings to act as a fast-establishing cover crop. Kanuka provides shelter and microclimate conditions that enable slower-growing hardwoods and podocarps to establish over time.

Eco-sourcing was critical, ensuring genetic suitability and long-term ecological integrity.

Riverside’s Role

Riverside was responsible for:

• Eco-sourcing seed from naturally occurring trees on or near planting sites

• GPS tracking and photographic documentation of all mother plants

• Propagation and large-scale production of kanuka seedlings

• Coordinating staged delivery for efficient planting

To date, over 140,000 kanuka have been delivered.

Sustainability & Innovation

Reducing the project’s plastic footprint was a key consideration.

Kanuka were grown in EnviroPots, significantly reducing plastic use while maintaining planting efficiency and establishment success. The pots were custom printed with partnership branding, reinforcing project identity and collaboration.

Outcome

The kanuka establish quickly, providing shelter and ecological conditions that support long-term native forest succession. The project demonstrates how large-scale restoration can balance ecological integrity, operational efficiency, and sustainability innovation.

Client Feedback

“For me your prices are competitive, but also Andrew is always willing to be innovative in his approach particularly from a sustainability perspective and listens to client’s needs.”
— Clayton Wallwork, Forest and Biodiversity Lead