Waitangi Treaty Grounds Receives International Recognition for Historic Busby Camellias
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is proud to announce that its historic Busby Camellias have been awarded the International Camellia Society’s Apoliu Declaration for Historic Ornamental Camellia Trees, becoming the first collection in New Zealand to receive this prestigious international accolade.
The Apoliu Declaration was established by the International Camellia Society (ICS) to identify and protect significant historic and ancient camellias around the world. The award recognises camellias of exceptional cultural, historical and horticultural importance and encourages their conservation for future generations.
The Busby Camellias, planted during the time of James and Agnes Busby in the early 1830s, have been part of the Waitangi landscape for almost 200 years. Hidden within a sheltered gully beneath a canopy of native trees, they are among the oldest known camellias in New Zealand.
One of the trees is the rare Middlemist’s Red camellia. The second tree is a historic Camellia japonica also growing at Camden Park in Sydney, Australia. Together, the trees form a remarkable horticultural heritage collection and a living connection between New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
The application was unanimously supported by the International Camellia Society’s assessment panel, with the Society recognising the historical significance of the collection, the strength of the supporting research and the ongoing commitment to the trees’ preservation.
Head Gardener, Bernice Dingwall, said the award represents an important acknowledgement of both the trees and the wider stories they embody.
“The Busby Camellias are far more than beautiful flowering trees. They are living links to the early history of Waitangi and have witnessed nearly two centuries of change. We have uncovered connections spanning horticulture, heritage, Māori oral history and international camellia conservation. It is a privilege to care for these trees, and we are delighted that their significance has been recognised on the world stage.”
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds will work with horticultural organisations, garden clubs and others to share the story of the Busby Camellias. We also plan to host guided visits during the flowering season.
The Busby Camellias typically flower in winter from July through to September and the trees can be visited as part of standard admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
For more information about the Busby Camellias or to enquire about group visits, please contact us here.
