Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust

21/04/2026

Congratulations Gordon on your amazing achievement, very well deserved.

🌺 A Lifetime of Growth: Gordon Bailey honored as Associate of Honour (AHRIH)! 🌲

We are proud to celebrate Gordon Bailey as an Associate of Honour of the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture for 2026.

From mowing lawns in Waimate as a schoolboy to becoming a leading figure of parks management and rhododendron conservation, Gordon’s career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and a deep-rooted love for the land.

Highlights of a distinguished career:

Guardian of the Rhododendron: As the long-standing Chairman of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, Gordon spearheaded an internationally significant conservation strategy. He helped create a nationwide network of "partner gardens" to ensure endangered species thrive in climates best suited for them.

Master of Parks Management: Gordon has shaped the landscapes of the South Island, serving as Parks Manager for the Gore, Queenstown Lakes, and Central Otago District Councils. His work has ensured our public spaces remain vibrant and well-managed for all to enjoy.

Global Plant Hunter: Following a passion ignited in his youth, Gordon has visited China six times to study rhododendrons in the wild and collect seeds, many of which are now growing across New Zealand.

Leadership & Legacy: A former Chair of the NZ Horticulture Industry Training Organisation and the Otago Conservation Board, Gordon has spent decades mentoring others and advocating for the environment.

Award-Winning Excellence: Already a Fellow of the RNZIH and a recipient of the prestigious Ian Galloway Memorial Cup, Gordon was recently awarded Life Membership of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust in 2025.

Whether he is tending to his large collection of peonies and trilliums at home or guiding national conservation strategies, Gordon’s influence on New Zealand horticulture is profound.

Congratulations, Gordon! 🌸🌲🏆

30/03/2026

🍂 What a fantastic Autumn Members Day at Pukeiti!

A beautiful seasonal walk through the gardens… followed by a shared lunch with great company… and rounded off with an incredibly informative talk from Emeritus Professor Vince Neall on The Geology and Soils of the Pukeiti District. 🌿

We’re also excited to have our new 75th Jubilee banner proudly displayed in the Lodge — plus a striking new banner outside where joining is now even easier via QR code!

✨ Don’t miss out on this special Jubilee year ✨
Encourage your friends to join now and be part of everything we have planned.

👉 Scan the QR code next time you’re at the Lodge
👉 Or get in touch to join today

Be part of the Pukeiti community — it’s going to be a memorable year! 🌺

15/01/2026

🌳 TAIAO 🌳
A celebration of the natural world through art — honouring our forests, rivers and wildlife.
On display at Pukeiti – Rātā Room from 16 January to 1 February, open 10am–3pm daily.
A thoughtful and inspiring exhibition set in one of Taranaki’s most beautiful locations.

20/12/2025

Well done team!

What a way to finish off the year! We’ve been awarded five stars in the latest New Zealand Gardens Trust assessment. 🌟

Judges commended our commitment to research and experimentation in the challenging environment of Pukeiti, the introduction of new species and the care taken with hard landscape features that enhance the visitor experience.

A big shoutout to our gardening team, who do amazing work year-round to keep Pukeiti looking top tier. 💚

26/11/2025

Join the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust and enjoy one of our favourite member perks — the brand-new 2025 Journal! 📘✨
Sign up now and we’ll send you your copy. Photo of the cover is attached!
Click the link below to go onto our website where you can join up.
https://www.pukeiti.com/

24/11/2025

A huge congratulations to our newest Life Member, Gordon Bailey 🌿👏
We’re thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved honour.
Tap the link below to read about his fantastic achievements and contributions.

https://www.pukeiti.com/news-updates-projects/2025-life-membership-awarded/

04/11/2025

20/10/2025

🌸 What a fantastic Spring Members’ Day at Pukeiti!

Last Saturday was one to remember — a refreshing garden walk through Pukeiti’s spring blooms 🌿, followed by a delicious shared lunch 🥗 and an informative talk by Simon Upton, Minister for the Environment.

It doesn’t get much better than that! 🌺 A selection of rhododendrons we viewed were (in order of photos): 𝑅ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑛 'Floral Sun', 𝑅ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑛 'Herb Tasker', 𝑅ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑛 'Joy Bells' (with it's gorgeous long leaves) and the Pagoda in the Hybrid Block during Spring.

💚 Not a member yet? Join now and be part of our upcoming events, tours, and garden adventures.
👉 goto our website to join up or email [email protected] - only $40!

30/07/2025

A lifelong connection with Pukeiti,
In this warm and engaging personal reflection, David Harrop shares his 50+year association with Pukeiti, beginning in 1969 through to his roles on the Pukeiti Trust's board and committees. He brings to life key moments, people, and projects that shaped the iconic rhododendron garden. From friendships with founders to book launches and conservation efforts, his recollections offer a unique lens on Pukeiti’s evolving story. This article celebrates both the garden and the community behind it.

👉 Read the full story below on our website in the recent updates.
https://www.pukeiti.com/news-updates-projects/

16/07/2025

Great news for Pukeiti, well done to the Pukeiti team of fantastic gardeners and their support networks.

Big news for our three regional gardens!

Tūpare, Pukeiti and Hollard Gardens have each been awarded the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Award, the highest possible recognition for sustainability and visitor experience in the country.

It’s a huge win for our team and a reflection of the passion, care and mahi that go into making these gardens world-class destinations.