Rhopalostylis baueri Norfolk Island Nikau. Rhopalostylis baueri is a species of palm native to Norfolk Island (Australia) and to the Kermadec Islands (New Zealand). Norfolk Island is the type locality. The common names on Norfolk Island are ‘Norfolk Island palm’ or ‘niau’. In New Zealand the name ‘Kermadec nikau’ is used to refer to the Kermadec Islands population. The New Zealand nīkau palm is very similar to Rhopalostylis baueri of the Kermadecs and Norfolk Island, which can be distinguished by its more rounded or oval fruits, and by its leaflets which are broader than those found in most populations of R. sapida.