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Native plants

Golden sand sedge/pīkao/pīngao

Pīkao or pīngao, Stewart Island. Photo: Greg Lind.

Pīkao or pīngao, Stewart Island

Pīkao or pīngao is a native sand-binding sedge that plays an important role in New Zealand's dune ecosystems.

Facts about pīkao

Pīkao or pīngao is an important native coastal plant and has bothe conservation and cultural values. It stabilises vulnerable sandy areas along the coast and enhances biodiversity.

Threats to pīkao

The major factors that have contributed to the decline of pīkao along New Zealand's beaches.

DOC's work with pīkao

DOC is working in a variety of ways to re-establish pīkao on many parts of the coastline. This includes encouraging many other groups to get involved.

You can help save pīkao

The ways in which individuals and community groups can contribute to the re-introduction of pīkao along our coastline.

Highlights:

Pingao video

This video takes you to Turakina Beach, one of the largest sand dune systems left in New Zealand. Find out why this area is nicknamed 'the Gold Coast' and learn about the native pingao plant.

Dune restoration video

Watch this video to learn about the important plants that live on our coastal beaches. Nic visits Stewart Island to find out which plants are the 'goodies' and the 'baddies'.

Our own gold coast

Explore the importance of sand dunes and the impact of losing them in this teaching resource. Find out about the largest coastal plant protection programme in the southern hemisphere.

Find out more

Publications

Pīkao (or pīngao) the Golden Sand Sedge
Tree planting for attracting native birds

Learn more

Native plants and restoration projects

Mainland islands An innovative approach to conserving our native plants.

The Loder Cup is awarded for plant conservation.

Research, collection and wildlife permits

Biodiversity Projects database - a catalogue of NZ biodiversity monitoring projects