The Department of Conservation’s only commercial nursery is growing native plants designed to help protect Canterbury properties from fires, floods, erosion and the effects of climate change.

The Motukārara nursery, about 30 minutes southwest of Christchurch, is selling specially selected plant packages for properties across the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula.

Nursery Manager Jess Ward said just half a percent of native vegetation remained on the Canterbury Plains, while about 22 percent remained on Banks Peninsula.

The nursery’s goal is to restore more native vegetation while helping landowners make their properties more resilient.

“Climate change is a huge issue facing us all, and we need to start work to mitigate the effects, which include more fires and floods.”

Ward said the nursery had developed packages containing plants chosen for specific conditions and risks.

“We’ve put together special plant packages including a fire protection package with plants that are fire resistant, a package with plants to help stop erosion, and a wetland package to help farmers protect waterways on their property.”

Seeds are locally sourced so plants can be better matched with the areas where they are expected to grow.

“We’ve done the research to work out which plants are best suited to where you live and which ones will help you mitigate the risks your land may face.”

Ward said the planting was also aimed at rebuilding habitat and supporting native wildlife.

“You can create your own backyard forest, which will feed the birds and help at risk species. You end up with a fantastic ecosystem.”

Six packages are available, covering streamside and wetland planting, Banks Peninsula and Port Hills forest, Plains forest, fire protection, erosion protection and dryland planting.

A full package containing 1000 plants costs $4400 plus GST, while a starter package of 100 plants costs $460 plus GST.

Orders are being taken now, with the plants grown to order and ready for planting during the 2027 season.

Ward said people wanting plants for next year needed to place their orders by the end of September.

“We need to start thinking about this urgently. Around the world we are seeing the devastating effects of the climate changing. Nature can really help us mitigate these effects if we act now.”