A tiny native plant is being flown north today in a last-ditch attempt to save it from extinction.
The Sebaea ovata (yellow centaury), an annual that grows to about 25cm and has a tiny yellow flower, is being flown from Wanganui to the Pouto Peninsula near Dargaville, whereit will be planted in one of the largest protected dune areas on the North Island's west coast.
The site is similar to the only other two sites where the plant is found, both in coastal dune areas of the Wanganui region.
Sebaea ovata was once found at about 20 locations, from Hokianga in the north to Lake Ellesmere in the south, but invasive weeds, vehicles and stock damage have all taken their toll on the small plant.
DoC Wanganui area manager Jim Campbell said the only way to ensure the plant's survival was to transfer it to new sites.
"It's not an icon plant like kauri or the silver fern but where do you draw the line?" he said.
"It's one more native plant heading for extinction and I think we've lost enough. Every time a species is lost, we lose a bit of what makes New Zealand special."
The plants were due to make the trip early this morning.
