The ceremony, held as part of the 2026 International Plant Production Society (IPPS) New Zealand Conference, honoured the achievements of horticulturalists from across the lower South Island, and were presented by RNZIH president Alan Joliffe.
Dunedin Botanic Garden horticultural collections supervisor Dylan Norfield was awarded an RNZIH fellowship for his work across a variety of fields.
Mr Norfield won 30 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals at Chelsea flower shows before coming to Dunedin and has a life-long passion for preserving plants.
At Dunedin Botanic Garden he curates more than 2000 plants and oversees its collections while, in his spare time, is turning a scrub-covered paddock at Doctors Point into a Garden of National Significance.
He has written many articles for the Otago Daily Times and Kiwi Gardener, hosted radio shows and led master-classes.
Fran Rawling was awarded a RNZIH Associate of Honour for her voluntary work over more than 30 years preserving historic roses.
The driving force behind Heritage Roses Otago, Mrs Rawling has helped to create and maintain the significant heritage rose collection at Dunedin’s Northern Cemetery, and has played a pivotal role in creating a register of New Zealand’s heritage roses.
Mrs Rawling and husband Mike showcase old roses at Wylde Willow, their award-winning Dunedin garden.
Gillian Vine was awarded the horticultural communicator award for her work as a garden writer across numerous publications over decades, including the Otago Daily Times, The Star, Greymouth Star and Kiwi Gardener. She has also edited and updated several editions of the popular The Star Garden Book.
Mrs Vine was recently elected president of the Otago Rose Society and edits its monthly newsletter.
Sunday’s special session concluded with the RNZIH Banks Memorial Lecture, presented by University of Otago Department of Botany Prof Janice Lord.
