After selling his bicycle and outdoor adventure store in 2006 and “retiring”, Busck began developing the land into the wetland sanctuary, clearing weeds and creating ponds for stormwater cleansing.
About 60,000 trees and plants were planted by him, Winter and volunteers, who were also helped by Periodic Detention workers in the early days, he said.
Since 2010, the site has also been used as an environmental education hub, where children of all ages can get out in nature and learn things like the importance of wetlands as a natural water cleanser, Busck said.
“I believe if we want to save tomorrow, we have to educate today.”
Hundreds of students, from preschool to tertiary, have since visited the sanctuary for education outside the classroom.
Busck said one of his most successful programmes was working with children who had ADHD, who he believed were transformed by the experience.
Jeremy Busck, 82, says he was motivated to do something to help the Whangārei community by the example set by his philanthropic parents. Photo / Denise Piper
Since buying the land, Busck said he intended to donate it to the community.
The land, with its education space and sheds, is valued at $805,000 but Busck said he never thought about the money, estimating he would have spent close to $1m on the property and its upkeep.
He was motivated to help the community by his parents, Theo and Imelda Busck, who were volunteers and Whangārei philanthropists, including donating land to CCS Community Action for people with disabilities to find work.
“They made me realise ‘if it is to be, it’s up to me’,” Busck said.
“It’s our planet, it’s our New Zealand, it’s our environment – we all should be looking after it.”
Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary has become an outdoor classroom for hundreds of children. Photo / NZME
Busck initially approached Forest & Bird to take on the land, but the organisation said it had too many properties nationwide to look after more.
But Northland branch chairman Bruce Bird did not want to turn down the opportunity, instead forming a new incorporated society and charitable trust by bringing onboard some of the sanctuary’s dedicated volunteers.
“I think it’s fantastic that Jeremy’s prepared to donate it to the community and all the work he’s done,” Bird said.
“I thought ‘what can we do to make it work?’”
The land will soon be formally gifted to Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary Incorporated, which will continue looking after the sanctuary and offering education outside the classroom, Bird said.
Busck will continue to be involved, as the project gives him something to focus on in retirement.
Bird said that as a registered charity, the organisation will be able to apply for grants, with its first step being to apply for a rates reduction.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.