We haven't stopped growing since 1978

Humble Beginnings

In 1978, a young man on his gap year had a passion for the natural world, a shovel and a wheelbarrow and began digging holes with a friend on his gap year. Growing in skill and size, his 2-man operation organically grew to create and care for landscapes across Auckland.  

From beautiful backyards to the booming mall sector and business precincts, Graham Cleary and his team were transforming the city. In August 1985, Graham officially registered Natural Habitats Ltd to mark his commitment to his clients, profession and the environment. 

Embracing New Seasons

However, with the market challenges of the 1990s and the new millennia, Natural Habitats had to learn how to survive in new environments. With a ‘just grow’ and winning mentality, Graham and the team created opportunities from these challenges and leapt into new territories.  

In the early 1990s, we designed and installed the country’s first green roof on Quay West Apartments, at the time adding $4 million to the building’s value. Soon after, we began designing and building 5-star resort landscapes. In the early 2000s, we took on our first civil planting projects, establishing two new offices in Wellington and Christchurch.  

Pictured here, Graham Cleary in Fiji, 2005