Abstract
<jats:p>New Zealand species have evolved with infrequent fires, the flora being described as non-fire adapted. Until recently there has been contradictory information in the liter-ature regarding the response of New Zealand indigenous species to fire, and little quantitative information on the resistance expressed in post-fire resprouting of New Zealand species. Following a grass fire at a site that had been planted we measured the resprouting ability of a range of native species frequently used in revegetation. Resprouting was exhibited in many of the trees and shrubs, adding to the database of plants that show this fire resistance trait. Resprouting was unexpected given that bark provides re-sistance to fire and develops with age and the plants were less than seven years old. Areas of regenerating native vegetation subjected to wildfire in New Zealand are fre-quently invaded by highly flammable, non-native species. Their presence contributes to what has been term a fire trap in which succession to old-growth native forest (and other habitats) is repeatedly reset. We discuss the potential of green firebreaks to es-cape this trap and conclude that such an escape will require the active engagement of all parties and the education of the volunteer workforce.</jats:p>