Wai-Ora is a faith-based community and environmental trust, founded in 1981, that works on restoring both people and the land around Christchurch. Its native plant nursery grows eco-sourced natives and sells hundreds of thousands each year to households, organisations and government agencies. Its environmental work includes weed control, wetland restoration and planting projects, and its landscaping arm, Wai-Ora Forest Landscapes, takes contracts for parks and reserves.
The Trust's programmes are self-funded rather than grant-funded, and it aims to reach people who would otherwise fall through the gaps. Services include community gardens, farm camps, community lunches, weekly kai box distribution and a community works volunteer programme. Its social enterprise employs qualified staff and offers paid work to people from marginalised groups, and its profits go back into the social programmes. The Trust also owns a horticulture property on the outskirts of Christchurch, near the airport, and a coastal farm north of Kaikōura.