Who are we?

Better Trees, Better Results, Better Price

Restoring the right land to Native Trees.

Our message is a simple one. We're growing native trees with a clear purpose.

Restore land to its best use with native trees. This is marginal land not suitable for farming.

Enhance the environment by improving biodiversity and turning rough hillsides/swampy areas in to lush native bush.

Make it easy with advise on plant species and can do a full service including spraying/supplying/planting.

Be cost effective using smart growing techniques, knowledge of what works on farm and a desire to get more trees in the ground means our prices will be more than competitive.

Restore Native is the vision of me, Adam Thompson.

What I want to do to help Restore Native trees to land that is not suited to sustainable farming.

I'm a farm boy who has been planting Native Trees on my own properties since I was 21. The love of trees and birds led me into pest control and setting up the local Predator Free Cambridge group which I am still involved with.

I've run my own Mortgage Broking business for ten years and committed most of my time to that. Now with supportive business partners I've been able to make a lot more time available to pursue the biggest passion in my life, which Restore Native encompasses.

In 2018 we were fortunate enough to purchase a small farm and added to that a year later. The farm is blessed with 30 acres of native bush, some original stand which has never been touched. There is a giant Rimu in this Forest and you'll see that in the centre of our logo as it really guides the direction we are going.

This bush provides us with a large seed bank for growing plants. Along with protecting it we are now extending planting in to other areas of the farm.

The farm is classic rolling hill country farmed with traditional methods. As such there are a lot of wet and steep areas which are not suitable for farming that we are retiring and planting with natives... as many farmers in New Zealand are.

The biggest challenge I've had in 15 years of planting natives was not the desire to plant but the physical ability and funding to plant as many trees as I wanted to. We are going to address those two issues head on and make it easier for other farmers and environmentally minded people to plant trees and restore areas to their natural purpose.

Cheaper trees that are fit for purpose on farms and are easier to plant - Watch this space for more updates on exactly how... and we'd love for you to give our trees a forever home.

Our Team

The Restore Native crew is a hardworking group of dedicated individuals, all passionate about getting more trees in the ground.

If you'd like to be part of our Team, email adam@restorenative.co.nz or check out this page for any roles we have available.

Adam Thompson - Founder

Adam's love of growing things started as a young boy in his parent's market garden. His family have a history of Farming, Horticulture and Viticulture so growing things is in his blood.

He first started growing natives as a 25 year old and has expanded every year and continues to grow with Restore Native.

As a Cambridge Farmer and with a finance background Adam is motivated to find great, cost effective solutions for native trees on farms.

Hannah Buchanan
Nursery Operations Manager

Previously a Schoolteacher and from a farm in the Manawatu, Hannah joined the Restore Native Team in 2021.

She lives on site with her two small children Archie and Lily, and day-to-day she manages the Operations and full service planting clients.

James Ranstead
Site Operations Manager

After studying and roles locally in horticulture, James joined the Restore Native Team in 2022 and now oversees on-site planting and logistics.

He's a keen footballer and spends his weekends playing all over the Waikato.

Pete Bichan
Dispatch/Team Dad

Pete comes from a background originally in the forestry service, and has more recently run a camp for youth just outside of Waitomo.

He's a keen sportsman with an interest in all adventure-based activities, is the fittest on the Team and you'll often find him spending several weeks tackling NZ's most challenging cycling routes.

Sébastian Lemercier
Nursery & Field Operations

Originally hailing from France, Seb came from a background in hospitality, and now enjoys his days outside, managing the Nursery's productions.

He has two teenage children and in his spare time, still whips up a cocktail or two at our regular Friday pizza evenings!

Josh Mercer
Nursery Operations

Josh is a self-confessed plant-nerd (that's why he and Adam get on so well!) and spent several years in a wholesale nursery just out of Hamilton in the production team.

He now heads up the growing of our baby trees and is responsible for keeping consistency and quality as they are potted out into trays.

Josh lives with his partner Zach in Hamilton and is excitedly planning a wedding!