Bushmansfriend New Zealand
the late botanist and author Tony Foster
Products and Experiences Celebrating New Zealands natural world
Campbell Rd. Totara North RD2 Kaeo 0479 Northland New Zealand Phone: 09 4051844
For any inquires please contact Judy - judymch@hotmail.com
copyright 2006 Bushmansfriend ltd
Bushmansfriend as a business is named after the Rangiora (Brachyglottis repanda) shrub or small tree. It's common name is bushmansfriend due to the use made as 'toilet paper'. However this plant shows the ingenuity of the New Zealand bushmen who would use the resources around them to make do. Much like the strategy of the business to make a living based on simple natural resources.
Tony's love of the outdoors and New Zealands natural world led to a degree in biological sciences from Waikato University before teaching biology and science in rural New Zealand secondary schools including Ngata Memorial College Ruatoria, Whangaroa College and Deputy Principal Taipa Area School. He tutored environmental sciences and horticulture at North Tech in Kerikeri. In 1989 he moved with his family to Totara North, Whangaroa. The abundant native bush and unspoilt harbour of Whangaroa eventually became the inspiration for Bushmansfriend. Sadly Tony passed away in 2016, however his work lives on in his books and pdfs.
The Educational Websites
Educational resources
Identification guide
Over 500 photographs
Species classification and cultivation information
Affiliate schemes specialising in products that feature New Zealand native plants, books, posters, bone art.
Plant Heritage New Zealand
In November 2008 Tony published his first book on the botanical and cultural features of New Zealand native plants. Check out Plant Heritage New Zealand from here
The third edition was printed in 2019
Portrait by Andrew Shaylor www.shaylorphoto.com
Articles