- RNZIH executive member & minutes (2013–2025)
- Notable Trees representative (2017–2025)
Our mission: ‘To encourage and improve horticulture in NZ by promoting the understanding, appreciation, conservation and use of plants’.
Key Members
RNZIH members who have made past (and present) contributions
This page lists members who have served on the RNZIH executive or contributed to our trusts and other initiatives over the years.
- See Our Team for our current patrons, national executive, and associated trust contacts
- This list covers some 25 years – for earlier records, you will need to explore our Newsletter Archive
Previous RNZIH Executive Members and positions held
- RNZIH executive member & NZGT representative (2020)
- NZGT Founding Trustee (2019)
- NZGT Chair (2019–2021)
Elle Anderson
- RNZIH executive member & RNZIH Education Trust representative (2016–2019)
- RNZIH Education Trust trustee (2013–2019) and Chair (2016–2021)
James Jones
- RNZIH executive member & Notable Trees representative (2016)
- RNZIH executive member (2004–2016)
- Treasurer (2006–2016)
- Founding Trustee, RNZIH Education Trust (2003–2009)
- RNZIH executive member & RNZIH Education Trust representative (2015–2016)
- Trustee of RNZIH Education Trust (2013/4–2016?)
- RNZIH executive member & RNZIH Education Trust representative (2011–2012)
- Founding Trustee, RNZIH Education Trust (2004–2012)
- RNZIH executive member & RNZIH Education Trust representative (2012–2015)
- Trustee, RNZIH Education Trust (2008–2015?)
- RNZIH executive member (2006–2013)
- Notable Trees Trust representative (2012–2013)
- Notable Trees Registrar (2007–2011)
- Chair of Notable Trees Trust (2011–?)
Dr Ross Ferguson ONZM, FRSNZ, AHRIH
- RNZIH Vice President (2003–2011)
- RNZIH executive member (1992–1998)
- RNZIH executive member (1998–2008)
- RNZIH Chair (2000–2006)
- Chair (2004–2011) & Founding Trustee (2004–2014), RNZIH Education Trust
- Journal co-editor (2005–present)
Jayson Kelly FRIH
- RNZIH executive member (2000–2006)
- NZGT Founding Trustee and their first Chair (2003–2006)
David Shillito AHRIH
- RNZIH Executive member (1990‒2005)
- Bulletin & Newsletter editor (1983‒1986?)
- Chair (1993‒1997)
- Treasurer (1995‒2004)
Ron Flook AHRIH
- RNZIH executive member (1985–2005)
- Chair (1997–2000)
- Established the Notable and Historic Trees Scheme (1977), which became Notable Trees NZ
Michael Ayrton AHRIH
- RNZIH executive member (1997–2005)
- Founding Trustee, RNZIH Education Trust (2004)
Dr John Clemens AHRIH
- Journal editor (2002–2004)
David Moyle FRIH
- RNZIH executive member (1998–2004)
Richard Nanson AHRIH
- RNZIH executive member (1997–2003)
Mike Oates AHRIH
- National Chair (1990‒1996)
- RNZIH executive member (1982‒1996)
- Bulletin & Journal editor (1982‒1990; 1995‒2001)
NZNTT
New Zealand Notable Trees Trust
NZGT
New Zealand Gardens Trust
Education Trust
RNZIH New Zealand Education Trust
RNZIH positions
1. Patrons
- Governor General of New Zealand The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO (2022–present)
- Governor General of New Zealand Patricia Lee “Patsy” Reddy GNZM, QSO, DStJ (2016–2021)
- Governor General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae (2011–2015)
- Governor-General Hon Anand Satyanand (2006–2010)
- Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright (2002–2005)
2. Vice Patrons
- Bev McConnell MNZM, QSM, AHRIH (2010–present)
- Ralph Ballinger AHRIH (1991–2015)
- Peter Skellerup AHRIH (1994–2006)
- John Taylor AHRIH (2003–2005)
3. Presidents
- Alan Jolliffe AHRIH (2024–present)
- Dr Keith Hammett QSM, AHRIH (2013–2023)
- David Sole AHRIH (2011–2012)
- Jack Hobbs AHRIH (2003–2011)
Note that the role of RNZIH President was outside of the National Executive, but following a change in the constitution in 2011, the role of Chair was elevated to President within the executive.
4. Vice Presidents
- Alan Jolliffe AHRIH (2021–2023)
- Dr Ross Ferguson ONZM,
FRSNZ, AHRIH (2003–2011)
5. Chairpersons
- David Sole AHRIH (2006–2011)
- Andrew Maloy AHRIH (2001–2006)
- Ron Flook AHRIH (1997–2000)
- Mike Oates AHRIH (1990‒1996)
6. Administration Officers
- Tanya Maylam (2009–2011)
- Linda Sallabanks (2002–2008)
- Andrew McDrury (2001–2002)
- Enid Reeves (1980–2000). Enid began as assistant to the secretary, before taking on full administration duties.
Note that this was a paid position when the RNZIH leased physical office space at Lincoln University. From 2012, office administration has continued virtually and on a voluntary basis.
NZ Gardens Trust (NZGT) positions
1. NZGT Chairpersons
- Hamish Saxton (2025–present)
- Wendy Palmer FRIH (2021–2025)
- Margaret Barker QSM, AHRIH (2019–2021)
- Kerei Thompson FRIH (2011–2019)
- Bryan Gould (2006–2011?)
- Jayson Kelly FRIH (2003–2006)
2. NZGT Trust Managers
- Victoria Read (2023-present)
- Julie Sperring (2019–2023)
- Irene Collins (2011–2019)
- Liz Morrow FRIH – NZGT Executive Officer (2003–2011)
RNZIH NZ Education Trust positions
1. Education Trust Chairpersons
- Shaun Trevan (2025–present)
- Hamish Gates (2021–2024)
- Elle Anderson (2016–2021)
- Nicola Rochester FRIH (2011–2016)
- Andrew Maloy AHRIH (2004–2011)
- David Puflett (2004)
2. Education Trust Event
Managers
- Shona Willis (2025–present)
- Leanda Childs (2022–2024)
- Hayley Govorko (2017–2021)
- Susan Tremain (2016–2017)
- Elenka Nikoloff FRIH (2005–2016)
NZ Notable Trees Trust positions
1. Registrars
- Brad Cadwallader FRIH (2012–present)
- David Glenn (2007–2011)
- Ron Flook (1977–2006)
Note that first initiative was called the Notable and Historic Trees Scheme, which became Notable Trees NZ, and then the Notable Trees Trust.