might be a bold claim (would usually just list as Gliophorus sp.) but i think this could really be it.. look at how brilliantly blue the juveniles were! found at the top of the ridge right after Whakanui track turns onto Clay Ridge Track. quite a unique rainforest-like environment with black+hard beech trees. one decent family of them amongst the leaf litter / on the forest floor just to the left of the track, and two more individuals (first pic) on the opposite side of the track. apologies for all the photos, just wanted to show all stages/feature + prove its not just distorted lighting.
Growing on fallen branch in mixed kauri forest
Several single specimens growing under a muddy ledge and against tree roots, beside the track in a dense NZ native bush area. We had just had heavy rain the night before.
On dead log, beech forest. Biggest one had a diameter of about 5mm