Free native plants
Published on 10 June 2026
Whangārei's favourite plant giveaway is back on Friday 10 July 2026.
Every winter, we run the Pōhutukawa Coast programme, giving away native plants to residents of the Whangārei District.
The programme aligns with Matariki, celebrating growth, renewal, and looking after our environment.
Manager – Parks and Recreation Sarah Snowden says the kaupapa fits naturally with the season: “Giving away native plants really reflects the spirit of Matariki – caring for te taiao, restoring balance, and investing in the wellbeing of future generations.”
Plant distributors and pick-up locations
Details about the plant distributors and pick-up locations will be available here from Thursday 9 July 2026.
Plants are not reserved, so residents are asked not to contact distributors ahead of the programme.
Friendly volunteers from Council’s Parks and Recreation team and the Forest & Bird Northern Branch will be available to help residents choose plants that suit their property and conditions.
The plants available this year
- kauri
- hebe stricta
- myrsine australis
- tītoki
- pittosporum roimata
- kōwhai
- arthropodium 'Matapouri Bay'
- rewarewa
- flax
- coprosma robusta
- melicope ternata
- pittosporum eugenioides
- cabbage tree
- nestegis apelata
- lancewood
- griselinia littoralis
- whiteywood
- pūriri
- hebe parviflora
- pōhutukawa
- white rātā
Plant limitations
There is a limit of two plants per Whangārei District property to ensure fair distribution.
If you have more than one property or are picking up plants for someone else, bring a rates statement as proof. A maximum of 10 plants (for up to five properties) per owner will be distributed.
Why plant native?
The aim of the Pōhutukawa Coast programme is to improve native biodiversity across the District, especially in urban areas, but the benefits go well beyond that.
Native plants:
- soak up carbon and store it (nature’s own carbon capture)
- help clean our air and water
- provide habitat for native birds and insects
- support cultural wellbeing, rongoā and mental health.
Whether you live on the coast, rurally or in town, planting natives is an easy way to make a positive difference and contribute to a healthier natural environment.
A programme with roots
With over 100,000 native plants distributed across the District over more than 35 years, the programme has played a long-standing role in restoring and enhancing local environments.
The plants are specially grown by Tawapou Coastal Natives in Tūtūkākā and include a mix of trees and shrubs.
Special thanks
Thank you to everyone who helps make the Pōhutukawa Coast programme possible, especially the volunteer distributors who continue to support this initiative year after year.