Sponsor a seedling
We are running a seedling trial. Sponsor one of the seedlings to name it and get regular updates on the trial and its progress.
Maire tawake are a rare and endangered native wetland tree. Like other native myrtle species, maire tawake are threatened by myrtle rust and are highly susceptible to infection.
Over the last three years, volunteers have been protecting maire tawake in-situ, by preventing myrtle rust infection using fungicide. This protection has resulted in the trees producing fruit. Volunteers have taken these fruit and germinated their seeds. So now we have over 100 maire tawake seedlings to observe for any resistance to myrtle rust. We are hoping to find some seedlings that do not get infected by myrtle rust, or get infected less than others.
See our myrtle rust page to learn more.
What is a seedling sponsorship?
A seedling sponsorship is a way to support the seedling resistance trial and to gain a front row seat to its progress.
What comes with a sponsorship?
Seedling sponsors will be able to:
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Name their chosen seedling
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Have their seedling featured in a social media post.
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Recieve monthly updates on their seedling.
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Recieve monthly updates on the resistance trial and maire tawake conservation.
Please note that:
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Due to the nature of the trial, it is very likely that most, if not all, seedlings will be infected with myrtle rust.
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The sponsorship of a seedling will not change its treatment in the trial or increase its chances of survival.
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There is a high chance that some seedlings will die.
Meet the maire
Below are 36 of our seedlings, arranged by parent tree location. Each seedling has a brief description, which we will update. Sponsored seedlings will have their name added.
If there is a seedling number missing from this webpage that you wish to sponsor, please contact team@pfk.org.nz and we can arrange your sponsorship.
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Bushglen and Bayside Drive reserves:
Bushglen Reserve is located in Browns Bay (outside of Kaipātiki). Two members of the Friends of Bushglen group identified that their maire tawake trees were becoming heavily infected by myrtle rust. The seedlings below represent several of the Bushglen trees.
Bayside Drive reserve is a small reserve that surrounds a pond there are two trees that are being protected there.
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Sponsor a seedling!
Made your choice? Fill out the form below to sponsor your seedling.
Please note:
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Due to the nature of the trial, it is expected that some, if not most of the seedlings will become infected with myrtle rust and some will die.
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If your seedling dies, you have the choice to opt-out of updates.
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If your chosen seedling name is deemed inappropriate, you will be asked to submit new name.
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Donations will go to Pest Free Kaipātiki. Due to the nature of the resistance trial, donations or sponsorship will not result in any special treatment of your seedling or increase its chances of survival.