Riccarton Bush Trust

Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush, was gifted to the people of Canterbury by the Deans Family in 1914. The Riccarton Bush Trust was established at that time to ensure the survival of the Bush - the last of its type in the World.

The key objectives of the Riccarton Trust :

Protect and enhance the indigenous flora, fauna and ecology of Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush, including mahinga kai and taonga species ;

Protect and conserve Riccarton House, Deans Cottage and their grounds;

Encourage public interest, use and participation and promote the natural and cultural heritage values of the site.

This enhancement project is the biggest since the predator proof fence installation. We can start work next Autumn when we have raised $1M. A total of $2.4 M is needed to complete the whole project.

The scope of the project is to:

• Integrate Ngāi Tūāhuriri narratives, values and associations with Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush through design, art, entrance experience and interpretation

• Upgrade of the track system and infrastructure

• Develop areas such as the Grove to support larger groups visiting Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush

• Provide interpretation to educate, engage and encourage participation

This special place, this link to our past, with its unique sights, sounds, smells, culture and history must be protected and conserved for the people, not only of Waitaha Canterbury but all of Aotearoa. Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush is a place of living history a gift to future generations, and it must be protected.