Xeriscape
While Whanganui doesn't look to be in imminent risk of drought, according to this projection on the MfE website xeriscaping still makes good low-impact environmental sense. That a xeriscape garden is low maintenance is a bonus.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping philosophy that uses as many native, drought-resistant plants as possible and arranges them in efficient, water-saving ways. Learn more about xeriscaping here.
(Okay, we did add this just so xbox wasn't all alone on the Xs page.)
If you have a surplus of drought-resistant plants to give away, consider donating to a charity shop or take to the Whanganui Environment Base for redistribution.