Hollis Bush is a rare display of virgin bush which was set aside by William Hollis on his farm back in 1882. It then became part of Waihi’s first golf course which then became Waihi College. Through the years it has been enjoyed by thousands of people; students and the wider community. There will not be many locals who have not enjoyed this space at some time in their life. It hosts some impressive mature native trees; kahikatea, tawa, rewarewa, rimu, matai and more. These in turn host tui, kaka, kereru and fantail as well as quite a few exotic birds.
As part of the recent Conservation Week, a group of interested people met to discuss how we might care for this precious taonga so that it can continue to be enjoyed for many more generations.
Some baseline evaluations suggest a more protective approach is required to allow the bush to ‘fill out’ again. A fenced walkway will help guide walkers while enabling seedlings to re-establish. Other measures include educational signage, pest and weed control, and a replanting programme.
We are currently looking for fencing waratahs (preferably 1.8m) and fencing wire.
If you are able to help with this or any other fencing material, please email davidt@waihicol.school.nz.
WARRATAHS AND FENCING MATERIALS WANTED: a message from Rian Morgan, our Environmental Leader for 2026
Kia ora Waihi College community,
My name is Rian, and I am proud to be serving as the Co-Environmental Leader for 2026 alongside Alexis Hughes. This year, our school is undertaking an exciting conservation project, and we need your help to make it happen.
We are asking for donations of warratahs, strainer posts (or similar), wire, and any other fencing materials you might have lying around. These will be used to protect and restore Hollis Bush, a natural area on our school grounds, giving native plants and wildlife a better chance to thrive. Hollis Bush is the last virgin native forest in the area, so it holds great significance to our kura.
If you have materials you could donate, or know someone who does, please get in touch with me (rmo20074@waihicol.school.nz) or Mr Tait (davidt@waihicol.school.nz). Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.
Ngā mihi,
Rian
Environmental Leader 2026