The NZNTT is actively seeking updated information for all trees in the register. If you have information about this tree that we don't currently have recorded, or wish to advise of an inaccuracy please use our information submission form to help us build a complete profile of this tree.
Tree Information x
| Identifier: | WCR/2272 |
|---|---|
| Tree Type: | Single |
| Registered By: | Hammer, J.R. |
| Registration Category: | Notable tree – National interest |
| General Notes:
|
Approximately 15 years ago, this mature rimu lost around one-third of its canopy after being struck by a neighbouring falling tree, resulting in its distinctive asymmetrical form.
The tree was selected by Greenpeace in 2026 to recreate an iconic image from the 1997 Native Forest Action campaign, when activist Pat McNamara spent five months suspended in a rimu at Charleston on the West Coast as part of protests against native forest logging. Nearly three decades later, on World Conservation Day, 28 July 2026, Greenpeace displayed a banner from this tree as part of its campaign opposing the Conservation Amendment Act [1]. The recreation referenced the 1997 protest and was used to promote further conservation action, including a nationwide 'Hands Off Conservation Land' Day of Action on 15 August and a 'March for Nature', organised with Forest & Bird, in Auckland on 19 September. The tree is estimated to be approximately 600 years old (Hammer, J.R., 2026). References [1] Greenpeace Aotearoa. (2026). Now it's our turn to step up and defend nature [Video]. YouTube, 28 July 2026. Accessed 14 August 2026. |
Single Tree Details
| Genus: | Dacrydium | |
|---|---|---|
| Species: | cupressinum | |
| Common names: | rimu, red pine | |
| Given Name: | Protest Tree | |
| Height: | 34.80m | |
| Height measurement method: | Nikon Forestry Pro | |
| Height Comments: | Near the maximum height for the species. | |
| Girth: | 635 cm | |
| Girth measurement height: | 1.6 m | |
| Girth Comments: | (none) | |
| Diameter: | 202.1 cm | |
| Crown Spread A: | 26.20m | |
| Crown Spread B: | 17.00m | |
| Avg. Crown Spread: | 21.60m | |
| Actual Planting Date: | actual date not specified | |
| Approx. Planting Date: |
circa 1400 e.g. circa. 1860 |
|
| Current Age: | 626 years | |
| Tree Health Description: |
Despite its age, the tree exhibits excellent vigour, supporting a dense, healthy canopy. The crown hosts a diverse community of epiphytes, including puka (Griselinia lucida), astelias, orchids and southern rātā, while the upper scaffold limbs support up to 300 mm of accumulated moss and canopy peat, reflecting many decades of uninterrupted forest development. Approximately 15 years ago, the tree lost around one-third of its northern canopy when struck by a neighbouring tree. This has resulted in an asymmetrical crown. |
|
| Tree Form Type: | Single Trunk | |
| Number of Trunks: | 1 | |
| Tree Form Comments: | Asymmetrical canopy due to extensive limb loss. | |
| Champion Tree Score: | 382 | |
| Local Protection Status: | No | |
| Tree Present: | Yes | |
| STEM Score: | 0 |
Observations
| Date | Observer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Jul 2026 | Hammer, J.R. |
Location
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Images
| Preview | Credit | Date |
|---|---|---|
 |
Greenpeace Aotearoa | 28 Jul 2026 |