Get out on safari

VISTAS AND VITICULTURE: Karen and Mike Robertson’s waterfront property at Te Whau will be open to safari ticket holders this weekend

GUMBOOTS AND GLAMOUR: SeaLink Jassy Dean Trust Garden Safari on Waiheke this weekend

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Waiheke's annual spring garden safari is a much loved event on the island's calendar, raising funds for a unique cause - The Jassy Dean Trust.

Over the first weekend in November, garden owners open their gates to allow up to 2000 islanders and visitors from "overseas" to meander through their pathways and ponder over their plantings.

The end result of the months of hard work tops up the coffers of the trust which is used to support Waiheke children and their families in times of a child's illness or injury.

The SeaLink Jassy Dean Trust Garden Safari is on November 7 and 8, and features 16 pristine gardens not usually open to the public. Tickets, at $25 for the two-day self-drive tour, are available at Kings Plant Barn in Remuera or Howick, and at several locations on Waiheke including Matiatia wharf. Bus tours are also available. Lunch options, Devonshire teas and other refreshments, live music and scarecrows also feature on the tour. See www.jassydeantrust.co.nz

The trust was set up after 13-year-old Jassy Dean lost her battle with meningococcal meningitis in 1992. The help and support, both practically and financially, given by islanders - many unknown to Jassy's family - so touched Jassy's parents that her father Greg decided to repay their support, and honour his daughter, by starting a trust to help other sick children and their families with the donated funds.

The Jassy Dean Trust is run entirely by volunteers and works with doctors and health providers. Trust members are at the end of the phone to help when help is needed.

If a parent has to rush their child to hospital an emergency pack can be provided containing useful items such as ferry tickets, courtesy of Fullers, money for taxi fares and a telephone card.

Over the years the trust has also funded medical equipment and run parenting and educational programmes and started an autism support group.

Whenever there is a crisis it provides support including domestic help, meals, childcare and gardening.

When the garden safari first started in 2001, following a suggestion by trustee Chris Palmer, 350 people enjoyed the experience and raised $5,000. Last year, 1500 keen gardeners attended the event and helped raise $35,000 for the island's sick children. A chunk of this was brought in at the mammoth plant sale.

See this week's Waiheke Marketplace 12-page pullout for more details.

- Waiheke Marketplace