A craft handed down
Ricky can thank his grandfather for passing on a love of all things plant, seed and soil. He owned the iconic Grange Nursery in Warkworth (now a shopping and residential precinct).
Most of the family developed a greenfinger here, working and learning over a 30 year period. Soon a young Ricky would move to the Kaipara District where his mum continues to own and run a successful nursery.
A Foundation in Knowledge
During his childhood, he learnt the intricate skill of seed collection, and this is a strong point of difference in their business today.
The art of foraging in the bush for precious and rare seeds can take years to refine. Knowing where to find them is one thing, handling them, preserving them and growing them quite another!
The local industry is unique in that Ricky and Jess are good mates with the neighbouring nurseries. When required, plants are sourced between each other, knowledge is swapped and respect runs high. From this positive environment, Mangawhai Natives is flourishing.
"
"Highly recommend the Mangawhai Natives team. We have been using them on projects for several years now and have purchased plants for around our house, and in larger scale native planting areas on our property - we have always found their advice, quality of work, plant variety and quality of plants to be simply awesome. We have large areas of native bush, so it is really important for us to have locally source seeds and not bring in other genetics which is exactly what Mangawhai Natives does. Absolute pleasure recommending them for any project large or small and supporting our local Mangawhai business owners who give back so much to the community."
~ Adele (Bream Tail Conservation Farm)
Growing with Purpose
Today, Mangawhai Natives is built on a deep respect for the land and a genuine passion for growing plants that belong here.
Every plant is carefully nurtured from seed or cutting, with a strong focus on quality, resilience, and suitability for local conditions. This hands-on approach ensures customers receive plants that are not only healthy, but well adapted to thrive in Northland environments.
Our Philosophy
At its heart, Mangawhai Natives is about connection — to the land, to the community, and to the generations of knowledge that continue to shape the way they grow.
Supporting our Community
An important part of the business is giving back to the local community.
Mangawhai Natives is proud to support and work alongside groups such as Piroa Conservation Trust, Mangawhai Beach School, Mangawhai Activity Zone, and the Cheviot Street Reserve.
These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to restoring native landscapes, educating future generations, and strengthening the local environment for years to come.
More than just Plants
Ricky and Jess take pride in offering more than just plants — they share knowledge, advice, and a commitment to helping others succeed in their own gardens and restoration projects.
Whether it’s a small backyard planting or a large-scale native regeneration, their goal is to support the growth of thriving, sustainable landscapes.
Get in touch
Regardless of the size or scope of your project, a high level of service can be expected. From the casual gardener ordering a few plants, to a large-scale client seeking an extensive plant range – we can’t wait to help.