About us
Tilly, the first donkey to live at Highfield Garden Reserve, arrived in November 1969. Donkeys are very social animals, and Tilly was soon followed by Toby.
The donkey’s names all begin with a ‘T’, acknowledging the original landowner, Ted Roberts, whose inspiration they were. The donkeys carried loads for Ted and his wife Alison - for their farm/gardening projects, as well as keeping the grass under control and were an attraction for visiting youngsters.
When Highfield was gifted to the people of New Zealand, Alison continued to look after the donkeys. After her death, an Incorporated Society was formed to take care and ownership of the donkeys.
With community support and help from Auckland Council, the donkeys at Highfield will continue to roam just as intended by Ted and Alison Roberts.
Around the reserve
