PALMS PLACED: One of two large nikau palms (right) is hoisted into its new home at the Government Buildings site in Wellington yesterday.
More than 100 years old, with inscribed dates on the growth rings to prove it, the palms were threatened by redevelopment at a property on The Terrace known as Fernhill, or the George Denton estate.
Mr Denton had a passion for botany and the grounds of Fernhill contained many different plants.
The Conservation Department and Guardian Trust, which administers the Denton estate, joined forces to relocate the palms.
Wellington regional conservator Allan Ross said the move was appropriate.
"These nikau palms with their dated rings from the same era will add a special feature to the landscaping of the grounds," he said.