A sign made from recycled waste tawa out of the park points towards the 20 metre-high kowhai that was discovered in 1967 and is believed to be about 120 years old.

Park Curator, Gavin Scott, said the tree was a park feature.  Visitors heading to the kowhai may also spot a “new” find, the native climbing plant, clematis paniculata, which had not been seen in the park for at least 15 years. Members of the Marton branch of Forest and Bird discovered the climber, which features a striking white flower, on a recent visit.

Mr Scott said the “exciting discovery” lifted the species count and proved that such plants would regenerate if the suffocating weed, wandering dew, was removed.

Information and images courtesy of Bob Williams, Manawatu District Council.