Wendy Henderson

Wendy Henderson is a dedicated and passionate conservationist who plays a crucial role in the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust. With a deep-rooted connection to the land, Wendy has been living and working on the Takaka Hill at Kairuru since 1977. As a co-founder of the Trust, Wendy brings her expertise in native plant propagation and habitat restoration to the forefront of their conservation efforts.

Wendy's dedication to native plants is not just a passion but a driving force in the Trust's habitat restoration work at Hawkes Lookout. Her focus on seed collection and growing Northwest Nelson native plants, particularly those at risk and rare species, is a testament to her hands-on approach. Wendy's knowledge and experience in identifying and collecting endangered plant species significantly contribute to the Trust's conservation efforts on Tākaka Hill.

Wendy's active involvement in protecting the natural ecosystem is a source of reassurance for the 1400-ha sheep and beef farm that has been in the Henderson family since 1911. Proudly stewarding over 300ha of original native bush that borders the Abel Tasman National Park, Wendy's 60 traps set in the bush to control pests like rats and stoats are a testament to her commitment to the area's natural ecosystem.

Some of the remarkable plants Wendy and her fellow biodiversity group members have collected from Kairuru and other properties on the Tākaka Hill include species like Limestone kowhai, Pokaka, Red beech, and Broadleaf. Wendy's dedication to hunting around forest remnants for seeds of endangered and vulnerable plant species showcases her unwavering commitment to habitat restoration projects on Tākaka Hill.

With her wealth of experience, passion for conservation, and hands-on approach to biodiversity restoration, Wendy Henderson is an invaluable asset to the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust and a driving force behind their mission to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity in the region.