22/04/2026
Wonderful, congratulations Fran! 🍾🎉💐
🌹 A Champion for Heritage Roses: Fran Rawling QSM honored with Associate of Honour (AHRIH)! 🎖️
We are proud to announce Frances (Fran) Rawling QSM as an Associate of Honour of the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture for 2026.
For over 30 years, Fran has been the leading heart and voice behind the preservation of historic roses in Aotearoa–NZ. Her tireless voluntary work ensures that rare and beautiful cultivars aren't just memories, but living parts of our landscape.
Why Fran is a true legend of the rose world:
Guardian of History: Fran played a pivotal role in creating the NZ National Register of Heritage Roses New Zealand Inc., mobilizing a nationwide effort to find and save rare roses from disappearing forever.
The Spirit of Dunedin: She is the driving force behind the heritage rose collection at the Dunedin Northern Cemetery – now one of the most important collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
A Global Leader: From leading National and International conferences to receiving the World Rose Award in Adelaide, Fran has put New Zealand’s heritage roses on the world stage.
Wylde Willow: Alongside her husband Mike, she created the stunning Wylde Willow Garden, a garden of National Significance when listed by the New Zealand Gardens Trust that has served as a classroom and inspiration for many gardeners.
Royal Recognition: Her lifelong dedication was honored with a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in 2021 for her services to heritage rose conservation.
Fran’s vision and leadership have ensured that the fragrance and beauty of the past will bloom well into the future.
Congratulations, Fran! 🌹🥇
