Collaborating to save a rare local treasure

2 June 2026

Collaborating to save a rare local treasure

Our Park Manager, Sarah Austin-Smith, recently welcomed a specialist research team to the Park to advance understanding of one of our most precious endemic species: Pimelea mimosa (also known as Pinātoro, or native daphne).

Andrew Townsend with a Pimelia mimosa plant in Te Mata Park

This remarkable plant grows naturally in Te Mata Park and because of its limited habitat, holds a critical conservation status of ‘Threatened – Nationally Critical’.

We were privileged to host leading experts for this field research session, including:

Andrew Townsend – Senior Technical Advisor (Ecology), Department of Conservation (DOC)
Tayla Hooker – Technical Advisor (Flora & Ecosystems), DOC
Troy Duncan – Regional Representative, QEII National Trust

By combining forces with DOC and QEII, we are gathering the vital data needed to build robust protection strategies for this endangered species. A huge thank you to Andrew, Tayla, and Troy for spending time on the land with Sarah to support our ongoing kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of this unique ecological treasure.

Pictured: Andrew Townsend with a large Pimelia mimosa plant in Te Mata Park.

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