Hi Ina, I know that Ellen Hornig was able to grow Knifphofia typhoides in Oswego NY from what I recall, so it should certainly have no problems anywhere in New Zealand. It would have gotten good snow cover during winter in her old garden. I don't think it was especially robust, she could tell more, but winter conditions up there would exceed anything NZ has to offer except perhaps in the uppermost alpine regions where no one lives anyway. Ernie DeMarie Briarcliff Manor NY Rain falling, worst cold nights seem to be behind us, it has been a grueling winter but things are beginning to grow.