Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 24 February 2025
The seedlings are the product of a growing partnership between the Department of Conservation and the Department of Corrections.
Commonly known as Gardner’s tree daisy, Olearia gardneri is found in the southern half of the North Island. The small tree is dependent on conservation efforts as its seeds fail to germinate in dense introduced grasses.
Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Lois Allison-Cooper says Olearia gardneri is unique to New Zealand.
“It’s one of our few native deciduous trees, so it looks dead in winter then revives in the warmer weather with small leaves and white flowers.”
“We collected seed from a known population in Paengaroa Scenic Reserve near Taihape – it seems to like shrubby forest edges and semi-permanent pools of water.”
Department of Corrections Horticulture Instructor Murray Nielson says the nursery programme isn’t just benefiting the environment.
“Prisoners working in the nursery are trained to level 2 horticulture, which provides them with skills and qualifications that prepare them for employment upon release. Equally importantly, they relax into the team and the environment. It’s an excellent setting for learning and rehabilitation.”
“The team here take pride in contributing to the conservation outcomes of an incredibly rare tree.”
Lois says the seedlings will remain at the nursery until large enough to survive in the wild, where they’ll grow to be up to 3 metres tall.
“The seedlings will give the wild population a real boost, we’re fortunate to have this relationship with Corrections.”
Olearia gardneri is threatened by habitat loss, animal browsing, introduced weeds, and a lack of seedling recruitment.
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