Horowhenua's significant trees recorded on register

Look up local trees and take a day excursion to admire them. Pictured is a notable rimu tree at 1 Engles Rd, Shannon, Horowhenua

In a land once covered in ancient towering trees, the towns of Horowhenua have but a few remaining, scattered on both private and public property.

Some of these trees are recorded on a New Zealand Tree Register, which names, dates and measures the giants.

The register, established in 1978, is a project of the New Zealand Notable Trees Trust and records our most exceptional trees from iconic native species to the colourful exotic trees that grace our parks and gardens.

'Impressive local trees included on this register are a 182-year-old totara which stands 25 metres tall at 60 McArthur St, a kauri at 55 Bryce St, a matai at 17 Byrd St, rewarewa at 46 Kawiu Rd, rimu at 50 Salisbury St, and an atlantic cedar native to Morocco stands more than 23 metres high at 67 Queenwood Rd.'

You can visit the website which celebrates this rich arboreal heritage, both endemic and introduced, at www.notabletrees.org.nz.

Impressive local trees included on this register are a 182-year-old totara which stands 25 metres tall at 60 McArthur St, a kauri at 55 Bryce St, a matai at 17 Byrd St, rewarewa at 46 Kawiu Rd, Rimu at 50 Salisbury St, and an Atlantic cedar native to Morocco stands more than 23 metres high at 67 Queenwood Rd.

A tree register of this nature is never complete or up-to-date.

Some trees on record may have grown since they were last measured or may not exist anymore.

Many beautiful trees may still await discovery, hidden away in backyards, national parks, gardens and countryside.

New Zealand Tree Register is continuously updated, and you can contribute to the register by submitting your local trees.

That tree you pass every day might be a national champion or may even attract international attention.

Their website states that because of New Zealand's cool-temperate climate, early exotic tree plantings have thrived, with many species growing to sizes far greater than they would otherwise do in their natural ranges.

Some are now outstanding specimens and provide considerable interest for their size, history or rarity.

A local register of notable trees is also available in schedule three of the Horowhenua District Council's District Plan which also protects the trees. To be identified as a notable tree in Horowhenua, a tree is rated on condition, age, stature, visibility, historical and ecologic significance.