Welcome

Main Speaker – 

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Barbara Wheeler – History of AKBG, Special Interest Evolution, Design and Nature

Barbara started her career as a professional horticulturist when she completed a conservation corps programme in 1989 and then an amenity horticulture apprenticeship at Dunedin Botanic Garden. Barbara worked as a qualified gardener and leading hand in Dunedin before undertaking the 12-month International Gardener Program at Longwood Gardens, USA. Returning to Dunedin, she worked as a leading hand, and in a contract audit role at Dunedin City Council.

Barbara completed the 2-year Practical Diploma in Horticulture programme based at the RHS Garden Wisley, England. On returning to Dunedin, she worked for city parks before moving to Australia for a deputy head gardener role at Admiralty House. Once again Barbara returned to Dunedin taking a position at the Botanic Garden to curate the Rock, Water and Alpine Plant Collections. Followed by a promotion to Plant Collections Supervisor overseeing the plant collections and operational management.

Taking a 13-month sabbatical in 2019, Barbara completed the prestigious Longwood Fellows Program in the USA, a leadership development program. In 2021 she moved north to take on her current role as Curator at Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Barbara has volunteer roles with BGANZ-NZ and Recreation Aotearoa’s Young Amenity Horticulturist sector competition. She serves on the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture National Executive.

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