Who are we
Te Puāwai is a community-led native plant nursery dedicated to growing eco-sourced riparian and restoration plants that support the regeneration of local ecosystems across the Coromandel. We work alongside schools, environmental groups, and community initiatives to strengthen biodiversity, promote kaitiakitanga, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for rangatahi and volunteers. Te Puāwai, meaning “to blossom” in te reo Māori, reflects our vision of growing strong, thriving ecosystems and connected communities.
Te Puāwai began as a school-to-work transition programme created to engage local students in environmental care while building valuable skills and pathways to employment. Since then, we’ve grown into a thriving nursery and community hub. We’ve proudly supplied bulk quantities of native plants for riparian planting throughout the Coromandel–Colville Ward, supporting catchment restoration and waterway protection efforts.
In 2024, we partnered with the Financial Mentoring Service to establish a māra kai, providing fresh produce to the foodbank and pātaka kai. This initiative was supported by Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, helping improve food security and community wellbeing.
Our Plants
Te Puāwai offers a variety of eco-sourced native riparian plants, available for individual purchase or bulk orders—perfect for restoration projects.

Harakeke
(Phormium tenax)
Harakeke is a hardy native plant that’s great for shelter, erosion control, and attracting birds and insects to your garden.
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00

Kānuka
(Kunzea ericoides)
Size: PB2, PB6 1/2, PB12+
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00+

(Leptospermum scoparium)
Mānuka is a hardy native shrub known for its beautiful flowers and ability to attract pollinators—perfect for erosion control, native planting, and honey production.
Size: PB 3/4, PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $4.50+

Kōhūhū
(Pittosporum tenuifolium)
Size: 10L
Unit Price excl. GST: $12.00

Mahoe
(Melicytus ramiflorus)
Size: PB2, PB6
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00+

Taraire
(Beilschmiedia tarairi)
Taraire is a native tree with large, glossy leaves and purple fruit that attract native birds—perfect for forest plantings and long-term canopy cover.
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $8.00

Swamp Sedge
(Carex virgata)
Swamp sedge is a native that’s perfect for wet or damp areas in your garden, helping with erosion control and providing habitat for wildlife.
Size: PB 3/4, PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $4.50+

Tī Kōuka
(Cordyline australis
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00

Wharariki
(Phormium colensoi)
Wharariki is a native flax known for its strong, colorful leaves and excellent use in traditional weaving as well as garden planting, adding both beauty and cultural significance.
Size: PB 3/4
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00

Karamū
(Coprosma robusta)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00

Renga Renga
(Arthropodium cirratum)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Kōwhai
(Sophora microphylla)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Karo
(Pittosporum crassifolium)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Pōhuehue
(Muehlenbeckia australis)
Pōhuehue is a vigorous native climber or groundcover, great for covering fences, stabilising banks, and supporting native insects and lizards.
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Tī Ngahere
(Cordyline banksii)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Mānatu
(Plagianthus regius)
Mānatu (or ribbonwood) is a fast-growing native tree with light, airy foliage—great for shelter, riparian planting, and attracting native birds.
Size: PB3/4
Unit Price excl. GST: $4.50

Kākābeak
(Clianthus)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Raupō
(Typha orientalis)
Size: PB3/4
Unit Price excl. GST: $4.50

Karaka
(Corynocarpus laevigatus)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Nīkau
(Rhopalostylis sapida)
Nīkau is New Zealand’s only native palm, adding a tropical feel with its graceful fronds—ideal for sheltered gardens and enhancing native planting schemes.
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $6.00

Tūrutu
(Dianella nigra)
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00

Kōromiko
(Veronica salicifolia)
Kōromiko is a fast-growing native shrub with slender leaves and clusters of pale lilac or white flowers that attract pollinators—great for revegetation, erosion control, and garden borders.
Size: PB2
Unit Price excl. GST: $5.00




Let's Talk
If you're looking to bulk buy, we'd love to connect with you. We offer special bulk purchase options across a wide selection of our plants.
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