A Lifetime of Growth: Gordon Bailey honoured as Associate of Honour (AHRIH)
April 2026 – Gordon Bailey, a valued member of the PRT Committee and former Chair, has been named an Associate of Honour by the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture for 2026.
Gordon Bailey, a valued member of the PRT Committee and former Chair, has been named an Associate of Honour by the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture for 2026. From his early days in Waimate to a lifetime shaping parks, conservation, and rhododendron collections, Gordon’s contribution reflects deep dedication, leadership, and a passion for the land.
Here is the excerpt from the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture about Gordon’s award:
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! 
