Summer may have come to an end, but things are far from slowing down at The Y Camp Adair!
Across March and April, the team prepared to host a series of free EcoFest events, while also making steady progress on the relocation of the site’s native nursery, a project that will support the next stage of environmental restoration across the catchment.
EcoFest 2026
As part of EcoFest this year, Camp Adair planned to host four free events where Aucklanders were invited to learn about the camps sustainable and regenerative practises in the beautiful Hunua Ranges. After all that fun, each event concluded with a free sausage sizzle! Unfortuantely due to weather events one of the events was cancelled and another postponed.
Nursery Volunteer Day at Camp Adair: Sunday 22nd March
Our first EcoFest event kicked off to a good start with 15 volunteers coming through on the day to assist with general nursery tasks. These involved sowing seeds, transplanting plants and involved an educational aspect as well.
Tracking the Wild - Kids Eco Adventure: Wednesday 8th of April
Our adventure was an opportunity for tamariki aged ages 8 - 12, to become Wildlife Detectives and discover how conservationists monitor animals and understand what’s happening in the forest when humans aren’t around. This event was booked at capacity and gave 26 youth access to this incredible free opportunity.
Guided Walk to Hūnua Falls : Sunday 12th of April (Cancelled)
The walk was due to begin at Camp Adair, before headinguphill through private bush and joining the Massey Cossey Loop Track in the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. Continuing through native forest toward Hūnua Falls and at end there was a free shuttle back to Camp Adair. We hope to host a similar event in the future but unfortunately had to cancel it this time.
Eco Sourced Seed Collection Workshop: POSTPONED
Join us in the bush at Camp Adair for a guided native seed collection day, helping gather locally sourced seed for future restoration projects across the catchment. Learn tips and tricks about harvesting seeds from our native bush.
For more information check out this link here!
Nursey Relocation Update
In previous Aroha Nui Articles, we mentioned our nursery relocation plan are glad to share that we have officially broken ground on this very exciting project!
Initial infrastructure is being put in place, including water supply and electrical trenching, forming the foundation for a larger, more protected space to support the growing number of native plants cultivated on site.
While still in its early stages, the relocation marks an important step forward. The new nursery will strengthen the team’s ability to support restoration work across Te Wairoa catchment, while also expanding opportunities for education, volunteering, and hands-on learning.
For those involved, the project has a special meaning. It represents a continued commitment to restoring degraded land, supporting native biodiversity, and creating spaces where people can actively engage in caring for the environment. As the work progresses, it will continue to shape not just the landscape, but the experiences of those who come through The Y Camp Adair, now and into the future.