Auckland Bonsai Society

15/06/2026

This years Peoples Choice winners from our annual show over the weekend are as follows:

1st place - Himilayan Cedar group planting.👏👏

2nd place - Kowhai.

3rd place - Chinese Privet.

Thank you to all who voted and congratulations to all who won, great display of time & skill.

11/06/2026

Just two sleeps to the show. See you on Saturday!

10/06/2026

Don’t miss this weekend’s demonstrations and Mondays exclusive workshop at 35 Access Road Kumeu, with renowned bonsai artist Sam Thompson. Top demo material lies under the sheets ready for Sam to put his magic touch on.

Sam will be performing alongside a lineup of some of Aotearoa’s best demonstrators including Brendon Covich, Martin Walter’s, Matt Hutson, Adrian Bird, Rob Addis, and Zianne Van Vanzyl.

On the vendor tables we have John Darroch at https://ecotonebonsai.co.nz/ offering a range of bonsai trees to suit all budgets. Perfect if you are looking for a ready made tree to take home!

Last but not least on the Auckland Bonsai Society table Lawrence from Rustigue will be selling bonsai stands and trees https://www.rustique.co.nz/ . Moira Craill is also selling her pots and there will be bonsai trees and material from various club members.

Get your tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/auckland-bonsai-show-2026-tickets-1985891731628

08/06/2026

Get your tickets for these demonstrations at the Auckland Bonsai Show here! https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/auckland-bonsai-show-2026-tickets-1985891731628

As an artist, designer, musician and podcaster, Adrian Bird has been practising the art of bonsai since his teen years. A full-time bonsai artist, Adrian maintains a growing number of high quality bonsai collections for clients throughout New Zealand whilst also building his own bonsai garden and nursery Hakaru-en in Mangawhai, Northland. On the podcasting side Adrian and Scott Jania (a Wellington based Bonsai Artist) discuss New Zealand Bonsai on "Crouching Deadwood, Hidden Nebari" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLwa2TZdrC6xuUMJ55pnatCayaFQGWZoOw

At the show Adrian will continue his demonstration series exploring our flora and fauna with an NZ Native theme: 'From mountain to sea'.

Mark from Jam Pottery will be on the trade tables. Mark Buchanan is an ex landscaper and bonsai artist who has developed a pottery studio at home where he throws, hand builds and even makes his own glazes for bonsai pots. His stone textures are to die for! https://www.instagram.com/jampotterynz/

And of course Adrian Birds trees from his nursery Hakaru-en will be available. If you like trident maples and/or japanese black pines come early.

07/06/2026

Martin has been practicing bonsai now for just over 24 years, originally starting in the UK and starting a collection again once moving to Auckland. His passion lies in the styling and refinement of older material and taking these trees to another level. He has been involved with many bonsai demonstrations both in New Zealand and Australia. I have a love for Pine, Pohutukawa and Totara trees.

Martin has some of the best pines in Auckland in his collection, he will be demonstrating "Field grown Japanese Black Pine progression after recovery". If you have any Yamadori Black Pine or have recently acquired a pine this will be of interest! Martin started his own club and workshop school about 7 years ago with the name Kenzo bonsai. https://www.facebook.com/p/Kenzo-Bonsai-100040638686225/

James Nuygen an established Auckland Bonsai Artist at JL Bonsai will be returning with a huge selection of Bonsai Trees. https://www.facebook.com/NZbonsai/

Ken Bonsai will be selling a fantastic range of imported pots, tools, wire and some amazing stones to use for root on rock bonsai. https://www.kenbonsai.co.nz/

Get your tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/auckland-bonsai-show-2026-tickets-1985891731628

05/06/2026

Get your tickets to our show on 13th -14th June here! https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/auckland-bonsai-show-2026-tickets-1985891731628

Matthew is a Waikato based bonsai artist and Japanese garden specialist. After developing the technical foundations of his craft while living and training in Australia, Matthew returned home to establish his own professional practice under the moniker 'Whanake Bonsai'. Matt is demonstrating 'Aiming High': designing tall trees which will definitely be of interest to many.

While he has a deep affinity for deciduous and broadleaf species, he is also focused on the refined development of New Zealand native trees. His approach balances sophisticated form with a practical, horticultural perspective rooted in long-term tree health.

Currently, Matthew is establishing a dedicated bonsai nursery, where he field-grows high-quality stock to supply enthusiasts and collectors throughout New Zealand. Some of these trees from Whanake Bonsai will be for sale at the show along with tools, cut paste and wire in the vendors area https://whanakebonsai.com/

David Lee is a much loved and well known member of the Bonsai Community, he will be at the show selling a large number of imported bonsai pots, of all shapes and sizes. He also sells a great variety of plastic training pots and excellent akadama. https://bonsaipots.co.nz/

02/06/2026

Aotearoa born artist Brendon Covich has practised all aspects of the art of Bonsai, for over 3 decades. Brendon's property houses a large collection of award winning bonsai. As founder of "Kinben Bonsai Adventures" and president of the Auckland Bonsai Society. Brendon travels performing demonstrations, presentations, and private garden works and workshops. At the show Brendan is demonstrating a topic that will interest many Bonsai artists: "Wrangling a root on rock group from scratch."

Two more traders at the show are Selwyn and Trevor. Selwyn has been making pots for 40 years. He currently creates the largest hand made bonsai pots in NZ. He is selling a wide range of bonsai ceramics of all shapes and sizes at the show. https://geyserpots.co.nz/

Trevor Gardner at Arbonsai is the NZ Agent for Ryuga bonsai tools. Trevor will be at the show with a wide variety of quality bonsai tools, carving bits and training wire. https://arbonsai.co.nz

Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/auckland-bonsai-show-2026-tickets-1985891731628

30/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14doG8Afmms/

Secure Early Bird registration for NZ Bonsai Expo 2026
Register before 1 June and enjoy full access across both days, including demonstrations, displays, trade tables and catering throughout the day.
Save $40 before Early Bird registrations close.
9–11 October 2026
Lower Hutt Events Centre
Tickets & details:
https://wellingtonbonsai.nz/
General public entry tickets will also be available at the door during the Expo weekend.

27/05/2026

Only two weeks to go until the Auckland Bonsai Show!
This year we have two new NZ demonstrators. Rob Addis is presenting "From bonsai beginner to intermediate and beyond, how to progress faster". Obviously aimed at beginners and intemediates; topics range from where to seek advice, material selection, mame and shohin philosophy and his involvement in a research program to grow plants on the moon!
Secondly Zianne Vanzyl demonstrates his love of everything Spruce, including specific Spruce horticulture and refinement techniques required to achieve dense foliar pads in "How to Spruce your Spruce"!
Our traders include Dan Becker Woodwork who has a beautiful assortment of hand crafted stands, jitas and bonsai tables https://www.danbeckerwoodwork.com/ . Get your tickets for the show and demonstrations here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/auckland-bonsai-show-2026-tickets-1985891731628

24/05/2026

It's not far away ladies and gentlemen! There's a huge line up of Demonstrators for all levels of expertise and a massive variety of Traders this year, not to mention awesome raffle prizes!!! Get your tickets here:

Discover the quiet art of bonsai at the 2026 Auckland Bonsai Show.