The plant Karo, or Pittosporum crassifolius,is common in coastal gardens and hedges. It has leaves that are furry on the underside. These furry undersides trap water on the dark side of the leaf, providing the plant with water through out the dry part of the day.
The plant in these 2 photographs is adapted to gravelly soils. It has tough wirey stems that resist breaking. It is called Meuhlenbeckia australis.
The leaves of Ngaio are thought to excrete excess salt. Plants like this that live in areas that have lots of salt in the soil always draw the salt into them when they absorb water. However, too much salt inside them can cause them to dehydrate. In order to prevent water loss and dehydration, they must eliminate the salt. The latin name of the plant is Myoporum laetum.