The directors of Pukerau Nursery, James and Maree met at university where they both studied Agricultural Science. Each of them have a wealth of knowledge about plants, and have a particular focus on looking after native plants throughout Southland and Otago, as well as the people and communities.
During summer, you’ll find James in a native tree, while Maree organises the seed he’s collecting. They do this to source seed from specific ecological districts to ensure that the plants we grow come from the right place for our clients. We firmly believe in the “right plant for the right place”.
James is a Southlander by choice, having lived down here for over 25 years. He grew up in Auckland before going to Lincoln University where he graduated with a M.Agr.Sc (Hons). He worked in the general environmental area with Fish and Game, DoC, Environment Southland, and Meridian Energy Ltd. Prior to Pukerau Nursery, James was operating his own business specialising in riparian management, elver (baby eels) management, and a contract with Environment Southland providing farm plans and plants.
Maree is a Southlander by birth, having grown up in Riversdale before going to Lincoln University, where she graduated with a B. Agr. Sc (Hons). She then worked as an agronomist, undertook tissue culture for Forest Research Institute (now Scion), plant propagation for Victoria University, and was a technical officer for Environment Southland before becoming a director at Pukerau Nursery.
