The name Te Rimutahi translates to the ‘lone Rimu tree’ referring to a sacred tree that once stood where Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads intersect today. Te Rimutahi also refers to the entire Ponsonby ridge-line, a traditional walking track linking Maungawhau and Te Oka pā.
Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely clothed with short, light green, needle-like leaves. A mature tree has a broad crown and eventually reaches a height of 25 m and a width of 10 m, with leaves that are now short and sharp. Rimu is suited to growing as a specimen in a large garden or park and so a mature tree was selected for planting at Te Rimutahi, the new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road.
The Rimu was lifted into position at Te Rimutahi on Monday 31 March, 2025.
After a challenging year climatically, an assessment of the Rimu at Te Rimutahi was undertaken by the (Acting) Urban Forest Manager on Tuesday 12 May, 2026. He reported;
The tree was observed to be exhibiting signs of physiological stress. This is most likely attributable to environmental factors, particularly exposure. Notable symptoms included browning of the foliage and visible cracking of the bark on the northwestern aspect of the stem. This aligns with the area receiving the greatest intensity of direct sunlight, suggesting possible sun scald and associated moisture stress.
Further to this, I understand… that the tree was installed as a large-grade transplant. It is common for larger transplants to exhibit symptoms of stress following relocation from nursery conditions to their final planting environment. The adjustment period can involve reduced root functionality relative to canopy demand, increasing susceptibility to environmental stressors such as heat and exposure.
At this stage, the observed symptoms are consistent with transplant shock combined with environmental exposure. Continued monitoring is recommended to assess the tree’s recovery and to determine whether further intervention is required.
We were encouraged the Rimu could survive and recover however on June 4, 2026 we were advised;
After assessments by Natural Habitats, the contractor, and AC urban tree team, it was decided to replace the Rimu tree with a smaller one in the current planting season. This is being carried out under warranty, as the 12 month period is now up.
The Rimu was removed on Saturday 13 June, 2026.
Moving mature established Rimu is a challenging endeavor. Unlike hardy exotics, Rimu have dense, shallow lateral root systems and rarely develop a deep taproot. The roots, which extend far beyond the tree’s crown, live almost entirely in the top layers of the soil, making them exceptionally sensitive to compaction and soil disturbance.
Rimu is slow-growing, typically only 10-20 cm per year in height. It can take 20 years for Rimu to bear fruit. These are tiny black seeds that sit on a bright red, fleshy base and are a delicacy for native birds like the kererū and tūī. Rimu trees are extremely long-lived, with lifespans of 600-800 years being common.
At time of writing, the (younger and smaller) replacement Rimu was scheduled to be planted by Sunday, 28 June. Nau mai, haere mai. We can now all look forward to seeing it establish and thrive, for scores of future generations to enjoy.
Bravo!
For more information or to contact the Community-Led Design Group, see our website 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz - Instagram te_rimutahi_ - Facebook Te Rimutahi or 254 Ponsonby Road.
Jennifer Ward
