The Rare Coastal Plant collection at the Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park at Ohiwa recently received a makeover with the help of three overseas helpers.

The collection was planted in 2019 and since then some plants have thrived while others withered.

The team planted some more groundcovers, including caraxes, which will cover the bare patches.

“The kakabeaks put on an excellent show from June through until August,” said Meg Collins, co-ordinator of the care group that looks after the collection.

“We have had to replant six every year and they are not long-lived plants.

“There are only two left from the original planting and I reckon this will be their last year, but there some nice healthy ones coming on,” she said.

“The native orchids, Thornton kanuka, kumarahou, Olearia pachyphylla – the thick leaved daisy, Hebe speciosa and native spinach have all grown well, but some of the other species such as the native flat broom, and sand daphne are struggling.”

A new sign has been installed along with wooden edging along the path.

“We have had good feedback from the public,” said Collins.

“Some people are quite surprised at the stats of these plants and had no idea that they were endangered.”