Boom Rock Farm Restoration

In the Wellington region only 2.3% of the original extent of wetlands remain, and only 16% of forests.

Ohariu Valley was virtually stripped of native forest in the early 1900's, and many of the wetlands drained to create more farmland. 

100 years on, what should we do with our little Ohariu farm if we're not farmers?

We want to restore our little piece of New Zealand to its natural state - including returning the land from pasture to plants, and preserving our wetlands and waterway.

We don't use the farm for grazing, so let's get rid of the pasture and replace it with a forest.

We don't need to put stock in the wetlands, so let's protect it so it can regenerate.

Our vision is to restore 25 acres of farmland in Ohariu Valley into thriving native ecosystems that support biodiversity, enable natural wetland regeneration, and inspire other landowners to join the restoration movement as part of Wellington’s “outer green belt.”

::  Wetland Preservation  ::

In partnership with the Greater Wellington Regional Council we're going to protect our wetlands - add riparian planting allowing the existing plants to regenerate, encourage wildlife and birdlife to return, and to protect the stream at the bottom of the farm.

Our planting programme is underway - with 550 sweet, sweet natives planted in 2025.

We'll continue to add more native wetland, coastal and bird-friendly species - with every plant needing protection from rabbits and wind.  Our aim is to get 10,000 native plants in the ground by 2030.

The restoration of an outer green belt corridor provides vital food and shelter for the free movement of native wildlife through Ohariu Valley - particularly birdlife spreading northwards from Zealandia and Kiwi released across Makara.

::  Community  ::

It's always better when we get together ! 

We'll leverage our dog community (500 members) for small weekend planting session (10–15 people) - “Adopt-a-plant” and “Walk & Weed” events.

We'll invite the wider community : Small guided volunteer sessions; weekend workshops and guided walks (from 2027 once bridges are installed).

Our Event Host role will give tertiary environmental students the opportunity to put their learning into real-world practice and provide employment to assist with funding their studies. They'll ensure safe group management, educate volunteers about land restoration, and coordinate volunteers & workshops.

::  Pedestrian bridges  ::
 
In addition to protecting the wetlands, we need to provide safe access across the wetlands by building pedestrian bridges. 

With no vehicle access to the wetlands, our bridges will be designed with individual lightweight components that can be transported by foot and assembled on site. 

Once installed they will not only provide access for planting contractors, but also allow for visitors to view the wetlands from above on planting and open days.

This is our opportunity to get in ‘gumboots and all’ - lead by example and inspire change for our rural community, our dog community, and guardians of remaining wetlands across New Zealand - collectively we can contribute to Wellington’s “outer green belt.”

We're working with the amazing folks at the Greater Wellington Regional Council to plan and deliver a long term planting plan for the whole property.

We'll be hosting planting and bridge-building events and would love to see you out there. These will be dog / family friendly events and a chance to see the farm. Prepare to get a little muddy !

In the meantime, please support Boom Rock Farm Restoration by contributing to our wetland preservation, bridge project and our planting programme. 

As we are a registered charity all donations over $5 are tax deductible. We'll automatically send you a tax receipt so you can claim back 33c for every dollar donated when you file you tax return with IRD.