Brad Cadwallader, a Nelson-based arborist and tree consultant, has dedicated much of his life to identifying and documenting some of New Zealand’s most remarkable trees through his work with the New Zealand Tree Register and the annual Tree of the Year competition. The register serves as a comprehensive database that catalogs the country’s most notable, historically significant, or cherished trees, encouraging communities to value and protect these living landmarks.
New Zealand’s temperate climate has allowed many exotic tree species to thrive and even surpass their sizes in their native habitats. Cadwallader points out that species such as macrocarpa, radiata pine, Norfolk pine, and various eucalyptus trees have all achieved record growth in the country. One recent discovery by Cadwallader was a world record-size silver ash situated near Nelson’s cathedral, previously misidentified as a different species.
Cadwallader’s tree-hunting often involves locating historical trees recorded in early documents or exploring private properties after securing permission from owners. He describes this work as a blend of curiosity and community engagement, noting that visits to old farmsteads frequently lead to conversations rich with family histories and local stories linked to the trees. "Every tree has a story—it’s simply a matter of finding it," he says.
In Nelson alone, where Cadwallader is based, notable trees include a giant Tasmanian bluegum at Nelson College for Girls, valued by generations of students, and large macrocarpa and redwood specimens in Isel Park. The Songer tree, famous for having been replanted after an original planting event was delayed, is another local landmark.
The Tree of the Year competition, which is currently in its final week of voting through July 8, highlights some of New Zealand’s most impressive specimens. This year’s finalists include a giant mataī from Dunedin, a world record gum tree in Hobsonville, an enormous pūriri in New Plymouth, a macrocarpa in Tawa, an elm by Christchurch’s Avon river, and a Judas tree in Pukekohe. The competition celebrates more than just the trees’ size or age; it emphasizes their cultural, historical, and ecological importance as well.
Cadwallader’s passion reflects a broader appreciation of trees as integral to New Zealand’s heritage and biodiversity, framing not only the physical landscape but also the collective memory of communities across the country. More information about the Tree of the Year finalists and voting details are available online.