Huaki “To bring to Light”
Edition 33
Friday, June 26, 2026
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Receives International Recognition for Historic Busby Camellias
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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.
“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. We look forward to hosting guided visits during the upcoming flowering season.”
The trees typically flower in winter, from July through to September, and you can visit them as part of the standard admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
The Apoliu Declaration was established by the International Camellia Society (ICS) to identify and protect significant historic and ancient camellias around the world.
“Over the coming months, we look forward to working with horticultural organisations, garden clubs and others to share the story of the Busby Camellias”, said Head Gardener Bernice Dingwall.
The award recognises camellias of exceptional cultural, historical and horticultural importance and encourages their conservation for future generations.
aitangi 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.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Busby Camellias
Scientific research undertaken in the 1990s provided genetic evidence that one of the
Busby Camellias is Middlemist’s Red, a rare historic camellia often described as one of the rarest cultivated camellias in the world and commonly reported as having only one other known specimen at Chiswick House in London. The second tree has been linked to a historic Camellia japonica growing at Camden Park in Sydney. 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.
For more information about the Busby Camellias or to enquire about group visits, please contact us via the website www.waitangi.org.nz
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