Hi Rod,
I was reasonably confident that I had named this species correctly this photo is a couple of years old though. Its odd until 2007 I had never come across this species then in 2007 and 2008 I have found it a few times in 3 different locations.

Although most of my photos are vouched these are deposited in PDD at regular intervals due to problems I have with bug consuming my collections. Will make a collection for you if I come across it this season we are only weeks away from the start of our fungi season now, only needing a little more rain and no wind to encourage the fungi to fruit.
Clive

Clive,

Based on Geoff Ridley’s description of the species, I’m inclined to support your ID. Is there any chance you could send me dried material of this species? To have a hope of understanding the phylogenetic history of section Amanita I think we need a very thorough study of the unusual amanitas like taiepa from New Zealand, Australia, and the Nothofagus forests of southern South America. At the moment, there may be some start ups of DNA sequencing projects that would take on some such material. If you can get me some material for microscopic study, I will also forward samples for sequencing.

Very best,

Rod