Practical restoration, from seed to thriving habitat

Alan Phelps brings 35 years of hands-on experience in native plant propagation and restoration on Aotea / Great Barrier Island. He helps landowners plan, establish and care for native forest, wetlands and waterways.

His approach follows the whole process: gathering seed, growing and planting native species, protecting them from weeds and introduced animals, and providing the ongoing care that helps habitats recover.

Restoration services

• Restoration advice and practical planning

• Native seed collection and propagation

• Plant selection and planting

• Wetland and streamside restoration

• Wetland fencing and stock exclusion

• Weed control and releasing established plantings

• Introduced animal pest control

Experience rooted in Aotea

Alan established Nagle Cove Nursery in 1992, growing native plants for the restoration of former pasture and supplying projects across Aotea. He established Motu Nursery at Okiwi in 2013.

His experience includes working with rural landowners on waterways protection for Auckland Council, restoration planting with Okiwi school children, and growing and planting natives for projects across the island.

In 2024, Alan was a co-founder and founding director of Motu Community Nursery, established to support native plant growing and restoration on Aotea Great Barrier Island. In 2026, he stepped back from the nursery’s day-to-day operations to focus on his independent restoration business, Motu Habitat.

Motu Habitat operates independently of Motu Community Nursery.

Discuss your project

Alan works primarily on Aotea and welcomes enquiries about selected restoration projects in the wider Auckland region.

Phone: 022 197 8230
Email: motunursery.gbi@gmail.com