Yes, I think I see new leaves!

In September 2004 I adjusted drip in this area to just one head per shrub (perhaps that's the rule — always just one driphead per plant?). A soaker hose was also added at the tree, but switched off with an inline valve. Hopefully the tree can take water from the shrubs under normal conditions. Turning the valve on would just be a convenience over hand-watering when conditions get super dry.

November and December also dumped a lot of water here, so I wonder if that helped or hindered the tree's recovery.

A closeup this morning of the leaves shows promise. I cannot claim success yet. Nor can I summarize my lessons. I definitely don't have a green thumb. Yet! I'll have to wait to see if the whole tree comes back, let alone grow to the size I want.

Pittosporum undulatum or Victorian box or Cheesewood.