Old Goff

Known locally as "Old Goff" or the Governor Grey Tree, this magnificent Sydney red gum (Angophora costata) is believed to have been planted by Governor George Grey, according to a plaque at its base. While its full history remains uncertain, its presence is impossible to ignore.

At around 146 years old, the tree is recognised as the largest known specimen of its species in the world. Its immense canopy is supported by huge, twisting limbs that seem to reach in every direction, creating a form that is both powerful and graceful.

The Sydney red gum is renowned for its distinctive smooth bark, which sheds naturally to reveal fresh patches of pink, orange-brown and cream before weathering to soft shades of grey. This ever-changing mosaic of colour makes the trunk and branches as captivating as the canopy itself.

For well over a century, this remarkable tree has stood watch over Hobsonville. Whether admired for its extraordinary size, its beautiful bark, or the mystery surrounding its origins, "Old Goff" is both a botanical treasure and a living link to Auckland's past.

As the largest known Sydney red gum in the world, Old Goff is truly one of a kind. If you believe this remarkable giant deserves national recognition, give it your vote in New Zealand Tree of the Year.