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Help Pukekura Park’s pūriri branch into fame – vote for it as Tree of the Year

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PUBLISHED: 1 JUL 2026
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It’s old, has cavities and is possibly Pukekura Park’s most famous tree – and it’s in line for being voted New Zealand’s Tree of the Year!

The pūriri tree in Brooklands’ bush reserve is one of six finalists for the award from the NZ Notable Trees Trust.

“The tree certainly has a presence – its size and its natural hollows in the trunk make it a memorable landmark for visitors,” says NPDC Manager Parks and Open Spaces Conrad Pattison.

“It’d be great to have the accolade of Tree of the Year attached to it, but that will take the public getting behind it and sending in votes for us to get there.”

The Tree of the Year competition aims to track down New Zealand’s most interesting trees and tell their stories.

The trust describes the pūriri as “one of New Zealand’s most impressive native trees”, noting that it draws visitors from across the region who come to stand beneath its immense canopy and marvel at its sheer scale.

“Today, despite the natural hollows and decay that come with great age, the Ancient Pūriri remains one of New Zealand’s most impressive native trees and a much-loved destination for those visiting Brooklands Park,” says the trust.

Other finalists are in Otago (Mighty Old Matai), Christchurch (the Kissing Tree), Tawa (the Bucket Tree), Pukekohe (the Sangro Survivor) and Hobsonville (Old Goff).

To vote, go to TreeOfTheYear.co.nz before voting closes on Wednesday next week (8 July).

At a glance:

  • The 52ha Pukekura Park is managed by NPDC.
  • The Brooklands estate was handed to the New Plymouth Borough Council in 1934, later becoming incorporated into Pukekura Park.
  • The pūriri in Brooklands is about 23m tall.

 

Caption: Two visitors take a close look at the famous pūriri in Brooklands.

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Page last updated: 12:14pm Wed 01 July 2026

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