AUCKLAND, Today: The New Zealand Gardens Trust has appointed Jen Nolan as its new Chair, bringing governance nous, corporate affairs experience and a proper love of gardens to the role.
Nolan is the founder of Wellington-based corporate affairs agency At Large, and takes over from outgoing Chair Hamish Saxton.
Saxton’s time in the role helped strengthen New Zealand’s profile as an international garden destination, no small feat in a country already very fond of a good outdoor moment.
Nolan says New Zealand’s gardening heritage reflects the dedication of private garden owners and local authorities who create places that inspire awe, calm and a much-needed reset.
“I’m delighted to continue the work led by Hamish Saxton, who has made an outstanding contribution to the Trust and to New Zealand’s visitor sector. His work has helped more people understand the value of Kiwi gardens, both here and overseas.
“Now more than ever, gardens provide places to pause and reflect. A visit to a garden is, I believe, one of the best balms for troubled times,” says Nolan.
“Now more than ever, gardens provide places to pause and reflect. A visit to a garden is, I believe, one of the best balms for troubled times.” – Jen Nolan, Chair, New Zealand Gardens Trust
The Trust has also welcomed two new Board members, Luke Gardner and Hannah Myers. Gardner owns Longbush Cottage, a four-star rated NZ Gardens Trust garden in the Wairarapa.
Gardner brings first-hand experience as a garden owner and operator, along with a strong understanding of what visitors actually experience once they step through the gate.
Myers brings financial and governance experience, including work supporting Dress for Success and previous experience in the commercial team at Fonterra.
The Board has also acknowledged the reappointment of Wolfgang Bopp as Deputy Chair. Bopp has also been appointed a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture for 2026.
As Director of Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Bopp brings a long record of leadership across public gardens and horticulture.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Wolfgang’s standing on the Board. More than 20 years ago, The Guardian named him as one of the young people set to shape lives in the 21st century, Nolan says
Today, through his leadership of Christchurch Botanic Gardens, he is helping shape the heart of the garden city and the future of public gardens in New Zealand.”
The Trust has also thanked outgoing Board members Sue Gifford and Mel Haskell of Casa Rosa Garden in Canterbury for their many years of service.
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