April 30 @ 5:00 pm – May 3 @ 3:00 pm
| Registration is now open for the 2026 IPPS New Zealand Conference, themed ‘Southern Challenge’, set against the dramatic landscapes and rich horticultural heritage of Dunedin and wider Otago. The Dunedin Conference Team have put together a diverse and engaging programme, combining strong scientific content, practical propagation expertise, conservation-focused sessions, and an excellent range of field trips. With speakers from across New Zealand and overseas, delegates can expect a wealth of knowledge, experience, and ideas to take home and put into practice. An action-packed pre-conference tour on Wednesday 29 April, organised by Mark Brown, will showcase the highlights of Dunedin and surrounds, finishing with dinner and drinks at the iconic Careys Bay Historic Hotel — a relaxed and social way to kick off the conference. Numbers are limited to 20 people Across the conference, attendees will enjoy visits to Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Blueskin Nurseries, Janefield Hydroponics, Ribbonwood Nursery, and Wals Garden Centre. This year, IPPS is also partnering with the RNZIH, who will be presenting the Banks Memorial Lecture, delivered by Professor Janice Lord in a dedicated Sunday afternoon session, following the presentation of RNZIH Awards. Janice’s lecture, “What we do and don’t know about pollination biology and breeding systems of rare New Zealand plants”, will be a fitting and thought-provoking conclusion to the event. If you’re planning to attend, register now and start organising your trip south for another informative, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable IPPS Conference — complete with southern hospitality, outstanding venues, and plenty of opportunities to connect with new members and old friends. |
| Confirmed Speakers to Date Fiona Eadie – Horticulture at Larnach Castle Dr Caroline Orchiston – Earthquake Risk and the Next Major Alpine Fault Earthquake Jo Wakelin – Dry Land Gardening Murray Dawson – Engagement with MPI: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Dennis Enright – The Benefits of Using Biochar for Container Growing Terry & Lindsey Hatch – Difficult-to-propagate plants Dr Peter Espie – Using the Soil Microbiome to Enhance Propagation Kat Lord – Conservation Work with Highly Endangered NZ Plants Dr Paul Fisher – Using AI to Access Information on NZ Native Plant Propagation Dr Jim Faust – Stock Plant Management Benjamin Teele – Native Seed Germination Allan Dippie – After dinner speaker on the Thursday evening Jed Tweedie – Vern Paddock Project Exchanges – Wendy Hall (Western), Jake Linklater (South Africa), Shelby Klassen (Western) Field Trips Friday 1 May Dunedin Botanic Gardens Blueskin NurseriesSaturday 2 May Janefield Hydroponics Ribbonwood Nursery Wals Garden Centre – self directed garden wander and afternoon tea Social Occasions Friday night – Dinner and Auction at the Distinction Dunedin Hotel Saturday night – Conference Dinner and Awards at Tūhura Otago Museum, including access to the Butterfly and Science Centre Special Session | Sunday 3 May, 1.00–3.00pm RNZIH Banks Memorial Lecture & Awards Prof Janice Lord “What we do and don’t know about pollination biology and breeding systems of rare New Zealand plants” Pre conference tour – Wednesday 29th April Departs Distinction Hotel at 9am Numbers limited to 20 people Itinerary Rodney ‘The Rooter’ McDonald’s garden Dylan Norfield’s garden, recently designated a Garden of National Significance by the NZ Gardens Trust. Truby King Reserve, site of the former Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, planted under the direction of Sir Frederic Truby King in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Aramoana, a seaside village on the west side of the Otago Harbour, original Brownie Country. Carey’s Bay pub for dinner. Sponsorship There are still opportunities to be a sponsor of the 2026 IPPS conference. Contact Dave Harris dave.h@waimea.group for further information. Accommodation Accommodation is available at and close to the conference venue for 29 April – 3 May. Please book and pay directly with the hotel by clicking here. Availability is limited on a first come-first served basis. Distinction Dunedin Hotel (Conference venue) 6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin 0800 018 390 | reservations@distinctionhotels.co.nzRooms from approx. $269 to $309 per night double or twin share including breakfast. Single occupancy rate less $30 per night Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin (approx. 5 minutes’ walk) 03 477 1041 | reservations.kingsgate@millenniumhotels.comRooms from approx. $180 per night Other accommodation options within walking distance Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 min walk) 0800 768 835 reservations@scenichotelgroup.co.nz Rooms from approx. $160–$180 per night Fable Dunedin (3 min walk) 03 477 1145 | reservations@fabledunedin.com Rooms from approx. $260+ per night The Victoria Hotel Dunedin (15 min walk) 03 474 0900 | info@victoriahoteldunedin.comRooms from approx. $170–$180 per night Questions? Please contact the conference organisers for further information. Allie Mackay allien39@gmail.com 021811225 Vanessa Healey VHealey@hotmail.com 0273545929 Click on the link below to register online today Registration closes Friday 17th April 2025 or when maximum number is reached- don’t miss out! Numbers are limited to 110 people Full program will be available very soon! |