Having grown a family legacy for the last 180 years, a well-known Wakefield name has gifted a special piece of land for the people of Tasman to enjoy.
Two years ago, Baigent’s Bush – a nine-hectare block of land near Pigeon Valley – was gifted to the public by the Baigent family who have owned and cared for the property since Edward Baigent arrived in Wakefield in 1843.
Over the years, Baigent’s Bush has been home to a farm, tennis and croquet courts, a water race and a hop garden. The land also hosted numerous community events, from pony clubs to picnics.
Our Reserves and Facilities team has overseen weed control, perimeter fencing, tracking and signage to prepare the woodland area for the handover to the wider community.
As well as new plantings, the area also contains many existing native trees such as tōtara, mānuka and kahikatea, some of which are thought to be over 500 years old.
Members of at least three generations of the family were present at the official handover ceremony on 7 December, along with Matua Harvey Ruru, Tasman Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant, Moutere-Waimea Ward Councillors and Council staff.
Stuart acknowledged the generosity of the Baigent family in allowing the reserve for public use, as well as thanking them for their stewardship in retaining the land.
“You should be very proud of what you have done on this block – it is a substantial gift to the community.”
In 2024, we will be formally consulting on a proposal to classify the land as Scenic Reserve under the Reserves Act.
Pictured below: Team Leader Reserves Operations Richard Hilton, Deputy Mayor Stuart Bryant, Councillor Mike Kininmonth, Councillor Dan Shallcrass, Barbara Cameron, Paul Baigent, Mary Baigent, Evan Baigent, and Councillor Christeen Mackenzie.
