A rare species on the brink of extinction is on its way to recovery thanks to the incredible mahi of those determined to save it. There are just four known native forget-me-not (Myosotis petiolata) plants left in the wild and work has began to save the species, which only grows in very niche environments in Hawke’s Bay. One such place is at Rock Station, a property owned by Pan Pac that includes a QEII-covenanted remnant native forest area. On 10 July 2025, eight Myosotis petiolata were blessed with Karakia by Kaumatua Matiu Eru and planted at the Rock Garden, a protected area of Rock Station. These eight will be joined by about 92 more this winter with another 100 also being planted at a neighbouring forest, owned by Matariki Forests. The plants were grown from cuttings from the original four wild plants by Plant Hawke’s Bay. Over the past two years, the team at the wholesale native plant nursery have lovingly propagated over 700 new Myosotis petiolata plants.

The mahi to secure this precious species has been a collaborative effort, in which the Department of Conservation has worked with landowners to maintain the health of the four wild plants, while Plant Hawke’s Bay, Matariki Forests, Pan Pac, Hineuru Iwi Trust, Maungaharuru Tangitū, Mana Ahuriri, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and Whirika Consulting have been involved in delivering the re-introduction projects.

We look forward to planting more Myosotis petiolata over the coming months – reintegrating it back into the ecosystem on the maunga and securing the species for future generations.

To learn more about Pan Pac’s Rock Station, read our Sustainability Report here.