Native Plants

Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for birds, insects, lizards, and other wildlife. They also help stabilise soils, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and strengthen our resilience to droughts, storms, and climate impacts.

Many native species are taonga, holding cultural significance and reflecting our shared responsibility as kaitiaki to protect and restore te taiao. By restoring native vegetation—at home, in parks and reserves, and alongside waterways—we help support biodiversity across Nelson.

Nelson’s native plant communities range from coastal dunes and wetlands to forest and hill country habitats. Below are some broad plant groups you’ll see used in restoration and commonly found across the region.

“Right plant, right place” is key. Different sites (dry, shady, coastal, wet, windy) suit different native species.

Forest Trees & Shrubs

These plants build habitat and provide food sources for many native species.

Examples include: tōtara, kahikatea, rimu, kānuka, mānuka, kōwhai, māhoe, fivefinger (whauwhaupaku), and tī kōuka/cabbage tree.

Aquatic, Riparian & Wetland Plants

Plants along stream edges and wetlands help filter runoff, stabilise banks, shade waterways, and provide habitat for freshwater life.

Examples include: harakeke/flax, carex and other sedges, toetoe, raupō, and tī kōuka.

Learn more about our Wetlands - page coming soon

Coastal & Dune Plants

Coastal plants are specially adapted to wind, salt spray, and shifting sands. They help stabilise dunes and protect sensitive coastal habitats.

Examples include: spinifex, pīngao, tauhinu, and other dune and coastal margin species.

Learn more about our Coastal Ecosystems here

Understory & Groundcover

Understory plants protect soils, reduce weeds establishing, and provide shelter for insects and lizards.

Examples include: ferns, rengarenga, native grasses, and low shrubs suited to local conditions.

Threats to Native Plants

Native plants and habitats face a number of pressures, including:

Invasive weeds that smother or out‑compete native species
Browsing and damage from animal pests
Habitat loss and fragmentation, reducing ecosystem resilience
Sediment and pollution, particularly in wetland and riparian areas
Disturbance, especially in fragile dune and wetland habitats
Climate impacts, such as drought, storms, and changing seasonal patterns

Managing weeds, pests and planting natives together is one of the most effective ways to strengthen habitat and reduce future maintenance.

What We're Doing

Nelson City Council supports native vegetation and habitat restoration across the region through both Nelson Nature and Healthy Streams, working alongside iwi, DOC, Forest & Bird, community groups, landowners, and volunteers.

Our ongoing work includes:

Restoring Habitats

Native planting and habitat enhancement in forests, riparian margins, estuaries, coastal areas, and the Nelson Mineral Belt
Protection and restoration of fragile and rare ecosystems, including serpentine plant communities

Controlling Pests & Weeds

Predator control in key biodiversity areas, including Council parks and reserves
Large‑scale weed control, including wilding conifers, gorse, Spanish heath, and other invasive plants
Biosecurity work to prevent the spread of new pest plants and protect native vegetation
Managing browsing pests (such as possums, goats, deer, pigs) to support natural regeneration

Supporting Landowners & Community Groups

Advice and practical support for landowners restoring native forest on their properties
Environmental Grants to enable community trapping and restoration initiatives
Workshops on predator control, weed management, and native planting
Guidance for protecting Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) and other high‑value biodiversity sites

Monitoring & Science

Monitoring the health of habitats and ecosystems, including native birds, vegetation, freshwater health, and biodiversity trends
Using scientific research and the latest ecological knowledge to guide programme planning and adaptive management

Connecting People with Nature

Supporting community events, volunteer programmes, and education initiatives
Encouraging citizen science projects such as iNaturalist and the Great Kererū Count
Providing advice and support for backyard trapping, urban ecology, and wildlife‑friendly gardens

Together, these actions help restore ecological connections across Nelson and support the long‑term health and resilience of our native species and ecosystems.

Photo Credit: NCC

Major Plant Restoration Programmes

Project Mahitahi
Wakapuaka Mouri Project (video below)
Nelson Nature projects
Environmental Grants Programme
Wakapuaka Bursting with Life
Healthy Streams - a major freshwater health programme

What You Can Do

You don’t need a big property or specialist knowledge to support native plants. Here are some practical ways to help:

Plant native species suited to your backyard or site conditions
Remove invasive weeds in your backyard, before they spread
Join a community planting day, restoration group or weedbusting group.
Support riparian planting to help protect streams and improve water health
Avoid dumping green waste in reserves or near waterways (this can spread weeds)
Protect young plants with mulching and maintenance (especially during the first 1–3 years)
Create habitat by planting a mix of canopy, shrubs, and groundcovers
Record native plant sightings using iNaturalist to build local biodiversity knowledge

For resources and volunteer opportunities visit our Native Planting and Weed Control page.

To check out all the opportunities to help our environment check out What You Can Do