Nothofagus truncata, or hard beech (Māori: tawhai raunui), is a species of tree endemic to New Zealand.

[2] Its common name derives from the fact that the timber has a high silica content, making it tough and difficult to saw.

[4] In Taranaki it forms almost pure stands on the rugged sandstone country there and is partially deciduous, dropping many of its leaves at the end of the winter.

[4] The coriaceous, hairless broadly ovate leaves range from 2.5 to 4 cm (1.0 to 1.6 in) long, and have from eight to twelve pairs of coarse, blunt teeth.

[5] The wood has a fine straight grain and even texture and is used for joinery, flooring, decking and cabinet making.