Hinewai Reserve - Earth Island Journal

a place as humble as it’s creator, Hugh Wilson. Hugh a botanist has done more than most conservationists have in their own lifetime. Setting out a plan, executing it and living long enough to see the land completely regenerate to pre colonial native canopy.

Famously he was brandished a ‘Fool and a dreamer” by local press for his ‘alternative’ ideas on land use, a turn of phrase he quickly coined a compliment: “the world needs more dreamers”. Stepping into the reserve on the Akaroa peninsular was something out of a dream, Piwakawaka (Fantails) greeted us at the entrance, landing on a hiking pole.