Carex maorica or Maori sedge is endemic to the North and South Islands.  It is widespread in the North Island but uncommon in the east from East Cape to the Wairarapa, and is widespread in the South Island but apparently absent from Southland and Fiordland. It grows from coastal to lowland in freshwater wetlands, under willow in gully systems, along river and stream banks, lake margins, and in damp seepages, pond margins and clearings within forest. It prefers fertile to mid-fertile wetland soils. A light green to yellow-green tufted sedge that grows 50cm or so tall that flowers from  October - December , with spiky seed heads from November – May. It is a good plant for environmental plantings but has become quite uncommon. It will tolerate quite dry sites and heavy frost, and is great for sun or shade. There are only small natural populations in Christchurch that may have been lost during the earthquakes, like a few other species, but hopefully planted specimens in reserves can restore the population. Unfortunately some populations native sedge species are damaged when contractors trim grass alongside waterways, and are unaware or not educated in identifying these plants and not to cut them down.