A finalist in the 2026 New Zealand Tree of the Year competition, this tree became widely known as "Old Goff"—a name coined by the nominating arborist as a play on the genus Angophora. Some local residents also refer to it as the "Orange Tree" because of its distinctive orange bark.[5]

Earlier national tree surveys recorded this tree as the second-largest Angophora in New Zealand.[1] Subsequent investigations established that the tree previously regarded as the country's largest, at Mapua, Nelson, comprised seven fused stems that had been measured as a single trunk. As a result, the Hobsonville tree is recognised as the largest single-stemmed Angophora in New Zealand and now regarded as the largest living specimen of the genus in the world.[2] The largest recorded Angophora measured approximately 10 m in girth at the base and grew in Angophora Reserve near Avalon, New South Wales. That tree died in 1933, and no larger living specimen is presently known.[2]

The tree was included in the former Waitemata City Council District Scheme tree schedule. Following local government reorganisation, it became protected under the Waitakere City Council tree schedule and is now included in the Auckland Council Unitary Plan Schedule of Notable Trees.[3]

A plaque at the base of the tree states that local legend attributes its planting to Governor William Hobson. While this is an enduring local story, it is not supported by the historical evidence. Hobson died in 1842, several decades before the tree is estimated to have been planted (c.1880),[5] and there is no evidence that he ever visited Hobsonville.[4]

Recent local research suggests the tree was more likely planted by members of one of Hobsonville's pioneering settler families, most plausibly the Wiseley or Carder families, who were responsible for planting a number of significant trees in the district. The tree may date from the construction of the Wiseley residence at 1 Williams Road during the 1880s for John Wiseley, son-in-law of early settler Joshua Carder. While its original planter remains unknown, the tree stands as a living reminder of Hobsonville's early settlement and the enduring legacy of these families.[4]

References

1] Burstall, S.W. & Sale, E.V. (1984). Great Trees of New Zealand. Wellington: Government Printing Office. p. 188, Plate 9.

2] Cadwallader, B.G. (2010). Investigation and field measurements of New Zealand Angophora specimens, including assessment of the Hobsonville tree and comparison with Australian records. Unpublished research.

3] Donaldson, J. (1988). Waitemata City Council District Scheme Tree Schedule. The tree was subsequently included in the Waitakere City Council protected tree schedule and is now protected under the Auckland Council Unitary Plan Schedule of Notable Trees.

4] Hobsonville Church & Settlers' Cemetery. (2026). Old Goff – Hobsonville's magnificent Angophora. Facebook post, 3 July 2026, incorporating historical research on the Wiseley and Carder families and the origins of the tree.

5] Cadwallader, B.G. (2026). New Zealand Tree Register records and assessment.