Pear trees donated in recognition of 200 fruitful years of history

The Nelson branch of the New Zealand Tree Crops Association has gifted two pear trees of historic significance to the Nelson Tasman community this month. 

These young trees are notable because they originate from the country’s first recorded orchard in Kerikeri, and are grafted with scion wood taken from a 200-year-old tree. They were donated to both the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, and planted in accessible public spaces, forming part of the councils’ ‘Edible Walks’ initiative, a network linking open orchard areas, walking routes and significant heritage attractions around the region. 

Nelson’s tree was planted in Branford Park by Carolyn Mackay from the Nelson branch of the New Zealand Tree Crops Association.

There are 40 parks in Nelson with fruit trees in them, including apples, feijoas, figs, hazelnuts, olives, pears, and persimmons.Maps for some edible walks are available here.