Your Hawke’s Bay
native plant supplier.

Natives are the cool kids of Aotearoa, who need little to no attention, but never get enough. That’s where Coolshrub comes in. Supplying and planting natives for landscapers, farmers, and good-buggers with consistently performing native plants for the creation of biodiverse hotspots and to stop soil erosion in its tracks. We’re boosting the pride of those entrusted with the care of New Zealand’s land, by making natives cool again.

Let Coolshrub take care of it.

Native plants for your project.

Planting plans.

Native tree planting.

Installation of pest protection.

Meet Michael
and Kurt.

Coolshrub Nursery - Kurt Livingston and Michael D'Esposito

We’re Michael and Kurt. Like most good things, raising natives started as a hobby which quickly outgrew the backyard. But as our nursery grew, so did our appreciation for Aotearoa’s pioneering plants. So much so that you’ll often find us on the golf course or flipping snags on the BBQ for pals while wearing Coolshrub merch – that’s because we’ll find any opportunity to spark up a chat about native restoration.  

We’re on a mission to make
natives cool again.

Popular Coolshrub natives available now.

  • Akeake

    New Zealand's native chameleon. Whether it's in it's shrub era or standing tall as a tree (reaching heights of 10 meters), the Akeake is a real head turner. With wavy leaves, flaking bark and fancy seed capsules, this little guy thrives in coastal areas and gardens with mild climates.

  • Cabbage Tree

    The Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) is a native big-timer! Towering up to 20 meters and flaunting its stout trunk and leafy crown. From windswept coastlines to lush forests, the Cabbage Tree is a true symbol of Kiwi resilience.

  • Toetoe

    The Toetoe (Austroderia fulvida), a kiwi grass with serious attitude. With its towering stature and feathery flower plumes that sway in the breeze, this impressive grass can reach up to 3.5 metres. You'll often find it gracing coastal dunes and open plains adding a touch of flair to the landscape.

  • Carex

    Carex (sedge), the unsung heroes of NZ’s natives. With their sleek, grass-like leaves and subtle blooms and growing anywhere from soggy swamps to shady forests, these versatile plants thrive in all habitats.

  • Kanuka

    Kanuka (Kunzea Robusta), the charismatic tree from the land of the long white cloud! Standing tall at up to 20 meters, it's the gentle giant of the forest, with its needle-like leaves and smooth, reddish-brown bark. You'll catch it gracing well-drained soil and environments with full sun to partial shade.

  • Lancewood

    Lancewood (Pseudopanax Crassifolius), a charismatic tree! Standing tall at up to 15 meters, its lacy bark and sturdy leaves can tell a tale or two about resilience. From mountainsides to sun-drenched valleys, it's a beloved feature of New Zealand's landscapes.

  • Lemonwood

    Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides), the vibrant soul of New Zealand's native scene! A small to medium-sized evergreen reaching heights of 10 metres. With glossy, oval leaves that shimmer in the light, you'll find this guy gracing gardens and valleys throughout the country.

  • Manuka

    Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), the powerhouse of the forest! Though it's short, it can reach up to heights of 10 meters. With slender leaves sporting a silver lining and flowers exuding a sweet honey scent, the Manuka is nature's sweet treat. While it has an entourage of admirers, bees and birds are always found near by.

  • New Zealand Flax

    The New Zealand Flax (Phormium Tenax), or as we locals call it, Harakeke! Standing tall at over 2 meters, it's the guardian of Kiwi landscapes with its sword-shaped leaves. Boasting shades of green and sometimes even stripes, Harakeke is adaptable thriving in diverse conditions, from coastal cliffs to wetlands.

  • Karamu

    Karamu (Coprosma robusta), is a hardy shrub, thriving in many NZ conditions, from sunny hillsides to shady valleys. Growing to 3-6 metres tall, its glossy leaves and clusters of bright berries provide food and shelter for native birds. It's a true backbone of biodiversity in Aotearoa!

View the full Coolshrub plant list.

With over 30,000 native plants in all shapes and sizes in the Coolshrub nursery, check out our full plant list to see if we stock what you’re looking for.

High fives from Coolshrub customers.

  • "Kurt, Michael, and the Coolshrub team have been outstanding! They listened closely to our needs, came up with a brilliant planting design, modified it over and over again to get it ‘just right,’ and then brought in the team to do the planting. The whole process has been a delight (and still is a delight because Kurt keeps on coming around to check that the plants are flourishing!) and we can’t wait to see how our new native paddock takes shape."

    David Mason (Lifestyle block owner)

  • "Brought a bunch of cabbage trees to plant on a bank that suffered a slip during the cyclone. Excellent quality trees with a great root system. Spent some time with Kurt who was very knowledgeable advising on what plants would be good for the area we were planting. Great range of quality plants available at a good price. Will be back for more when we decide what we want. No need to look anywhere else these guys will look after you. The cabbage trees are thriving."

    Gavin Cross (Lifestyle block owner)

  • “Kurt and Michael were fantastic to deal with. I am planting a paddock with natives and found Coolshrub Nursery online. I told them my budget, gave them my list, and they went through it with me, letting me know what was available at the time. The plants were very healthy, and they have taken very well to where I have planted them. I will be going back to get the other plants on my list when they are ready. I highly recommend Coolshrub Nursery for their great service, knowledge, and healthy plants."

    Cheryl Walton (Lifestyle block owner)