Hamilton Gardens scoops big names this week

You must see Hamilton Gardens before you die, according to the book 1001 Gardens to See Before You Die. This week some big international names are taking that advice to heart. From today until October 14 the Gardens will host this year’s Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand conference, an occasion that reaches our shores only once a decade.

This year speakers include leaders from renowned international botanic gardens and conservation organisations, including:
Scot Medbury, President and Chief Executive of one of the United States’ pre-eminent botanic gardens, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Brooklyn are celebrated for their innovative outreach programs focus on issues at the heart of the Gardens’ diverse local communities.
Dr Philip Moors, Director and Chief Executive of Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens with its renowned landscapes and world-class collections.
Brian O’Neill, Superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the most visited unit of the national parks system in American with over 20 million visitors annually and with the largest national park area adjacent to any major city in the world.
Sara Oldfield, celebrated conservationist and Secretary General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Oldfield is respected for her work on wildlife trade through the Convention on the international Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Hamilton Gardens Director and conference convenor Peter Sergel says attendees will look beyond parks as a pretty setting, examining diverse topics from conservation to sponsorship and community involvement. He describes winning the bid for the conference a coup for Hamilton Gardens and a good sign for future major events held at the venue.
Director of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens Dr Philip Moors, says it’s a first for New Zealand and he’s delighted it's happening in Hamilton. “Hamilton Gardens are recognised as being among the best in the country, attendees will be inspired."