In 1965 when H.B. (Bill) Williams purchased Eastwoodhill from Douglas Cook he was not to know then what an important asset Eastwoodhill was to become to the Gisborne region, New Zealand and to the international botanical community.

Bill Williams became frustrated in his efforts over the next 10 years to make the farm at Eastwoodhill sufficiently profitable to support the significant arboretum within. With sympathetic support, but not financial support, from Horticultural organizations and the Minister of Lands it became clear to Bill Williams and his advisers that the only solution would be to establish a permanent institution with its own governing body and the ability to receive financial donations exempt for death duties.

After forming a case to Government between 1970 and 1975 with much dedication from the team surrounding Bill Williams, a breakthrough came in mid 1974 when a draft for a Private Members� Bill was approved by the government departments involved and by the Minister for the Environment. The Act provided for five members � a Chairman appointed by the Governor-General and one member to be appointed by each of the following: The Gisborne Council, the Poverty Bay Horticultural Society, the Gisborne Farm Forestry Association and later and additional member from the Friends of Eastwoodhill.

The bill dated June 13, 1975, was presented by the Member of Parliament for Gisborne, Trevor Davey, and was passed. Of crucial importance was the provision in the Act stating � It is hereby declared that the purposes of the Board are charitable purposes.� Bill Williams vested the Eastwoodhill property, buildings, and stock in the Trust, and the first gift to the board�s endowment fund, of $50,000, was from the M.A. Williams Charitable Trust established by his mother.

Today, at the Eastwoodhill Trust Board Annual General Meeting, and being the 30-year anniversary of the Trust Board, the Trustees officially announced Eastwoodhill Arboretum as the National Arboretum of New Zealand, combining a yearlong programme of gaining National support for National Arboretum status.

Support for this historic announcement came from the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Department of Conservation, Tourism New Zealand, Janet Mackey MP for the East Coast, Tourism Eastland. The Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Helen Clarke, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage fully supported the move for Eastwoodhill Arboretum.

George Hickton, from Tourism New Zealand, confirms �What a great asset Eastwoodhill Arboretum is, both to Eastland and the New Zealand tourism industry�.

Peter Williamson, Conservator for the Department of Conservation, supported that Eastwoodhill Arboretum be the National Arboretum of New Zealand, � I know of no other Arboretum in New Zealand of it equal or better�. �The Trust Board in its 30 history has maintained and developed upon the efforts of Douglas Cook making available a wonderful collection of Northern and Southern hemisphere trees for any member of the public to visit.

Since 1975, Eastwoodhill Arboretum has changed dramatically with visitor facilities including accommodation, catering for functions, tours and extended walking tracks for all levels of fitness. Eastwoodhill can cater for all types of tour groups and individuals who would like their visit tailored to their needs. www.eastwoodhill.org.nz