Whangarei
Whangarei Branch, NZ Camellia Society
Contacts:
David Muir , Branch Chairman, also NZ Director for ICS. Ph. 09 435 1967, or 027 688 2208 Email. [email protected].nz
The Whangarei Branch meets regularly, generally throughout the Camellia flowering season. It also circulates a monthly Email newsletter, which includes reminders about the next meeting.
Plus it has an interest in it's own Facebook page, Whangarei Camellias, and more. Additionally, a members-only Facebook Group provides a social-media forum, 24/7, for members.
Please contact the above for meeting details. A warm welcome is extended to visitors and prospective new members.
The 2025 Branch meeting programme will be listed below; as it is confirmed in late 2024. Obviously it will be subject to changes by circumstances beyond our control. 2025 is the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the Whangarei Branch of NZCS (May 1965) and we are quietly determined to continue the activities we have enjoyed over the last 6 decades. The highlight will be the local 60th Anniversary Show in August, followed by the National Show in New Plymouth. Other meetings will include garden visits, workshops, guest speakers, etc.. Most meetings include a raffle, a trading table, and a Camellia bloom competition that accumulates points throughout the year. Meetings are generally held on the second Thursday of the month, February to November.
2025:
February 13 -- not a formal meeting, but a social lunch to start the Camellia year
March 13
April 10
May 8, -- presentation on the 2025 International Camellia Congress in Japan
June 12,
July 10, Meeting to do planning for our annual show
August 9, Local Annual Camellia Show -- our 60th Anniversary Show!. This year again at St. Johns Church Hall, in Kamo Road. The venue has worked well for the last 2 years.
Benching from 3pm on Friday 8th, again from 7am Saturday 9th, judging start time to be advised. Plus raffles, and an excellent trading table!
August 15 /18 (Friday to Monday). New Zealand National Camellia Show. New Plymouth. Details elsewhere on this website; includes the Show, dinners, bus trips to garden visits, etc.
September 11,
October 9, a demonstration of post-flowering pruning of Camellias
November 13 , 11am. AGM followed by end-of-year lunch. We hope to get a start on planning our 2026 programme, too.
Please note: all meetings scheduled for 2025 are subject to change. Any changes to the above schedule will be advised.
Camellia Nuccio's Pearl
The Whangarei Branch, established in 1965, has a tradition of Camellia breeding and appreciation, largely as a result of the work of two noted local plant breeders, Jim Finlay and Os Blumhardt. Both men are now deceased, but their legacy (their plants) remains. The local soils and climate (warm temperate to sub tropical) are conducive to Camellia growing. Join us to learn more !
Jim Finlay's masterpiece, Camellia High Fragrance
Os Blumhardt's internationally famous Camellia Night Rider