Pīngao (pīkao, or golden sand sedge; Ficinia spiralis) is a coastal sedge endemic to New Zealand. Pingao is a crucial native plant for stabilising sand dunes in New Zealand. Originally widespread, it has suffered severely from competition with introduced marram grass and animal grazing, and now has only a patchy distribution. Pīngao is an important habitat for bird and insect species, including the katipō spider. The East Coast Protection Group are working with Marlborough District Council on a replanting programme to restore populations of pīngao.