Our beginnings in 1976

In 1976 a group of people formed the Centennial Park Bush Society in response to council clearing an area of “scrub” in Centennial Park, Campbells Bay, North Shore, Auckland . What the council did not appreciate was that this scrub was the beginnings of a new native forest. The manuka they were felling was the nursery for young totara, kauri, rimu and kahikatea which now, 30 years later are bursting through the manuka canopy. Many of these forest giants were planted and nurtured by the Bush Society. But planting is only the icing on the cake when it comes to restoring an area of bush. The bush was full of self sown pine trees, which volunteers ring barked, causing them to slowly die back and give space to the native bush which could not compete. This work was initiated by Professor John Morton and his wife Pat. John Morton was a professor of zoology, national president of Forest and Bird and was instrumental in saving Whirinaki Forest, Waitutu forest and the West Coast Beech forests. He knew what he was talking about. Now, where once was a pine forest, is healthy emergent native bush.

The society has thrived since 1976, carrying out native forest restoration work in Campbells Bay.

This involves removing pest plants, raising and planting native plants, trapping animal pests, maintaining tracks, advocating with council, and raising community awareness.

Your committee

  • Richard Hursthouse, Chair
  • Jenny Chamberlain, Secretary
  • Andy Pitcher, Treasurer
  • Joe Greig
  • Liz Goodwin
  • Mark Woodward
  • Max Thomson
  • Victoria Morris
  • Vivienne Walker

Our purpose

  1. to protect and nurture the ecological integrity of Centennial Park including leased areas, Campbells Bay and the surrounding environment
  2. to foster and manage ongoing weed control, planting, water quality, predator control, other ecological activities, interpretation, education, and park amenities
  3. to promote public support and sustainable use of Centennial Park including the leased areas
  4. to make representation and submissions to Auckland Council, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, the Department of Conservation, Members of Parliament and any other appropriate party with respect to any matter concerning the maintenance and protection of Centennial Park and surrounding environment
  5. to support, propose action and cooperate with members of the Society or other persons or associations with similar objectives to those of the Society, and
  6. to use the funds of the Society to further these objectives, including maintenance of Incorporation and Charitable status.

Structure and funding

The CPBS applies for grants from environmental funds, charities and Auckland Council and welcomes donations

Volunteer workers after mulching the 13th tee planting site 2024