Whangarei

Whangarei Branch, NZ Camellia Society

Contacts: to be advised.

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 Camellia Group.  This 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 2026 Branch meeting programme is listed below; as it is confirmed in early 2026. Obviously it will be subject to changes by circumstances beyond our control.  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 third Thursday of the month, February to November. 

2026:

19 February:  Lunch at Waipu Golf Club    

19 March:  Garden visit to Lyn and Barry Ferguson, Whau Valley Road

16 April:  Garden visit to Dragonfly Springs , Onerahi

21 May:  Bonsai garden and talk in Kaiwaka

18 June:  Garden visit to Sue and Murray Owen, Maungakaramea

16 July:  Hope Hall, Tikipunga (show arrangements)

August (date to be confirmed):  Annual Show

17 September:  Garden visit -- Bethany Garden, Kara Rd., and Clivia Garden

15 October:  Hope Hall with speaker    

19 November:  AGM, Hope Hall, Tikipunga, followed by end-of-year lunch

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