The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

There a few of these on Lambton Quay in Wellington but I couldn't work out what they are

And a photo of some leaves (from a dead branch as I couldn't reach the living ones)

Looks Myrtaceous - next time I am down in Wellington I will have a look as your images are not clear enough for me to guess further.

Thanks Peter. I managed to reach a better sample although a colleague passed by and asked why I was jumping at a tree in the middle of the road.

and the underside, the leaves are opposite btw

and the axil

Well done - and for now - you got me. No idea.

As for the other - its when the police pick you up and take your questioning that I feel you will have graduated to full botanist status. Had it done to me twice now.

Hahaha funny, love it :-)

Yes - do not try collecting Dahlia excelsa or (worse) Papaver somniferum at 2 am on River Road, Hamilton. It can be pretty hard to convince the police your cause is juts and for science.

I actually had the former Mayor (C Wade-Brown) walk by and ask me one time what I was so deep in thought about. When I told her I was trying to work out what a particular street tree was, she was able to pick it as an Italian Alder which I thought was impressive. As for this one, I expect that means it is not a native, the ones nearest to it are Chinese Elm and London Plane so I expect it also an exotic. I'll check on iNaturalist.
Cheers
Rhys