About the trust
How the trust started
In March 1950, Douglas Cook, founder of Eastwoodhill Arboretum near Gisborne, New Zealand’s national arboretum, returned to his hometown of New Plymouth looking for land suitable for growing rhododendrons – the one plant he had been unable to grow successfully in the Hawkes Bay.
There he joined forces with renowned Taranaki businessman and horticulturist Russell Matthews (later Sir Russell Matthews K.B., O.B.E), who shared the same vision: to establish a garden of international importance, featuring rhododendrons growing to perfection in New Zealand’s native rainforest.
The two found an old bush block for sale on Upper Carrington Road, high on a saddle between Taranaki Maunga and the Kaitake Ranges. As Cook walked through the 65 hectare (153.5 acre) block, he was blown away by the lush native landscape and the views to the coast, North Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu. He was also impressed with the clean and healthy looking rhododendrons which were still thriving despite being in an old and neglected garden. “One walk through is enough,” he said, and that night he located the owner to buy and donate the property.
Over the next several months, Cook and Matthews worked to enlist the financial support of 25 Foundation Members from around New Zealand, who agreed to underwrite the fledgling trust for a period of five years.
On 31 October 1951, together they established the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust (PRT), calling the garden and the Trust by its original Māori name of Pukeiti, meaning “little hill” for the lava dome nearby. The official opening of the garden took place on Thursday 1 November 1951.
Encourage interest in and development of the genus rhododendron, scientific research into its breeding and culture and the promotion of such other purposes as may advance the culture of the genus.
Acquire, establish and maintain botanic gardens, arboretums, plant museums, plant nurseries, scenic reserves both public and private, forests, gardens and parks.
Encourage interest in and development of ornamental and other trees, plants and shrubs.
Beautify the land acquired, enhance the forest remnants, and conserve and provide sanctuary for native flora and fauna
Act as a common meeting ground for enthusiasts and to disseminate knowledge of horticulture and silviculture.
Establishing the original garden, took years of gut-busting hard work and weekend working bees, but for the PRT members it was a labour of love.
Today, the garden holds over 289 taxa from the genus Rhododendron, while the property itself encompasses 360 hectares with more than 21 kilometres of walkways through New Zealand’s native bush.
After running the garden for almost 60 years, in 2010 the PRT handed over ownership of Pukeiti to the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC), who now manage it on a day to day basis, continuing to develop and expand what has become a treasured local destination.
The PRT still holds true to our original purpose, though, maintaining a close partnership with the TRC and contributing practically and financially to conserve and grow Pukeiti’s unique plant collection.
The PRT is also strongly involved with, and actively contributing leadership and expertise to national and international networks and conservation programmes involved with global efforts to conserve species Rhododendron.
Getting there
Visit the Garden at 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth. If you are driving, follow Carrington Road for about 23 kilometres out from town.
Send post to The Secretary at Taranaki Mail Centre, PO Box 1066, New Plymouth 4340