Honeybees and Heritage: Horticultural Innovations at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds hold a special place in New Zealand's history, not just for the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi but also for their fascinating botanical heritage, particularly during the time of James and Agnes Busby from 1833 to 1871. This period was marked by significant horticultural development, the introduction of honeybees, and a vibrant mix of native and exotic plantings that contributed to the rich tapestry of the grounds.

Mary Bumby is credited with introducing honeybees to New Zealand in March 1839. Arriving at the Mangungu Mission Station in Hokianga with two hives in her luggage, Mary had sailed from England with the intention of pollinating English plants. Although New Zealand had two native bee species, neither was suitable for honey production. The country's bush provided a welcoming environment for these bees, leading to a rapid multiplication of wild colonies, especially in the Bay of Islands. By the 1860s, bee nests were abundant, and Māori, as the first commercial beekeepers in the country, were selling considerable quantities of honey.

In 1842, James Busby brought three hives from Sydney to enhance cross-fertilization at his Waitangi estate. This move was part of Busby’s broader interest in horticulture, complementing his keen passion for viticulture.

James Busby was not only a vintner but also a dedicated horticulturist. His garden at Waitangi was a delightful blend of exotic and native plants, featuring a diverse range of trees, shrubs, fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers. Some of his original plantings still exist today, though they show signs of age.

Busby’s commitment to horticulture was evident during his trip to Europe in 1831. He returned with vine cuttings, fruit cuttings, seeds, and other plants, including tomatoes, watermelon, pimento, cucumbers, lettuce, currants, sultanas, and various vegetables. By 1836, he had established a kitchen garden to supply his household with fresh produce. A notable mention by Rev. Cotton in 1844 records fresh asparagus served at dinner, likely sourced from this garden.

The orchard at Waitangi began in 1842, with Busby receiving a variety of plants such as peach, olive, apple, banana, Lisbon lemon, pear, and loquat, alongside fig trees. He took great care in arranging his orchard, planting a row of cabbage trees and building a drystone-walled enclosure with a high timber windbreak to protect it. This orchard, located to the north near the Norfolk pine, thrived until 1934 when the drystone wall and orchard remnants were removed.

The horticultural efforts of James Busby at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds left a lasting impact. His innovative plantings and introduction of new species not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the Grounds but also contributed to the region's agricultural diversity. Today, while few of Busby’s original plantings remain, they stand as a testament to his vision and dedication to creating a self-sustaining, vibrant estate.

The era of James and Agnes Busby at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a captivating chapter in New Zealand’s history. It showcases the intersection of cultural heritage and botanical innovation, reflecting the broader historical and environmental transformations of the time. Visitors to the Grounds can still feel the legacy of the Busby’s through the enduring plantings and the historical significance of their contributions to New Zealand’s horticulture.

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Image- James Busby's house, Waitangi, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand (PA1-f-041- Mundy album 3)