Jane Deans (née McIlraith, 21 April 1823 – 19 January 1911) was a New Zealand pioneer and community leader.

The Christchurch suburb of Riccarton derives its name from the farm, and the historic buildings and the adjacent forest are popular places to visit.

Jane McIlraith became close to John during the two years he was with the family, but she felt that she could not marry a man who was living in the house.

[4] Deans Cottage, which was built in circa 1843 and where Jane and John first lived, is today the oldest building in Canterbury.

[5] At that time, it was formally protected through a campaign led by MP Harry Ell and botanist Dr. Leonard Cockayne.

The bush contains mostly kahikatea of between 400 and 600 years of age; it is the only lowland forest left in Christchurch, and is probably New Zealand's oldest protected natural area.