RAY KING President
My introduction to horticulture was our family's home garden. We had an amazing array of vegetables, berries and fruit trees to enjoy throughout the seasons. However, my interest has grown to encompass many aspects of horticulture and in particular floriculture which is associated with floral design and Ikebana. Whilst living in Singapore I spent two years studying Ikebana and completed all my teaching certificates after coming to Christchurch. I was fortunate to live in a number of countries and came to observe cultural differences, gardening methods and in particular the interesting and varied plants in villages around France and England.
Since being elected to the CHS Board in 2012 I have enjoyed chairing the Horticultural Events Team. In 2016 I became Vice-president and in 2018 I accepted the role of treasurer and have worked
closely with our Investment bank and our accountants to bring transparency to the financial affairs of the society. With the exciting move to The Kiosk we will have new responsibilities under the terms of the CCC lease. I believe members must be kept informed and encouraged to be actively engaged as we maintain our current activities and grasp the opportunities ahead.
KELLY PERAZZOLO (Vice President)
I have been a Software Developer for the past 10 years working with different businesses in a variety of fields and with non for profits across Canterbury and the West Coast. I am also involved with over 17 community organizations across New Zealand at a governance and volunteer level. I really enjoy getting involved and getting things done, which is why I am on the CHS Board. I am also the current chair of the Fruit & Vegetable Circle.
I was raised in Venice, Italy in the countryside and I have been married to Maria for 9 years (who is also a CHS Member). We own a property with a small garden near Hillmorton where we grow a
variety of edibles and herbs. We have a long way to go but are keen to learn. In my spare time, I am an avid tennis player and current chairperson of the Spreydon Tennis Club.
DUDLEY JOHNSON
Treasurer. Married to Wendy (nee Griffiths) and we developed a retail rose nursery in South Auckland just off the Southern Motorway at Ramarama, Trevor Griffiths Roses, which we operated for 15 years specialising in Old Fashioned and David Austins roses. Our display garden had over 1400 different roses representing all the old varieties and we were regular stall holders at various Garden and Flower Shows over the years and ran seminars on roses. We have twice visited David Austin Roses Nursery in Shropshire and lunched with David Senior. I was involved in the introduction of the Caterpillar Shuttles in the Botanic Gardens including preparing the Tender Presentation to the Christchurch City Council, assembling the shuttles and appointing the staff but the earthquake put a stop to this and we later sold the business.
I am a semi-retired Accountant and for five years worked in Sydney in the Not for Profit Disability Services area as Accountant, Business Systems Manager, and acting CFO ($50m turnover), and latterly as Business Development Manager during the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Prior to our move overseas I supported Wendy in the activities of Ikebana and the Horticultural Society.
WENDY MARSHALL
I have been a member of the CHS board for approximately six months. I was seconded on when a vacancy occurred in 2019. My special interest is in the services we provide to our members and to the community at large. I am particularly interested in the School Garden Awards, the Orchards in Schools programme and was an assessor in this year's Edible Garden Awards. I am a volunteer at the Kiosk and love engaging with the visitors to the Botanic Gardens. I am also on the committee of the Riccarton Horticultural Society.
I have been interested in trees and plants all my life. My parents were successful gardeners but also thoughtful gardeners. They were willing to try new plants and vegetables that were not found in every garden in Christchurch. Our soil was old river bed and therefore enriching the soil was not only important but just what you did as a matter of course. As a child I observed and absorbed. When I had my own garden I discovered the world of bulbs and perennials and became a plant collector more than a gardener. I love everything about plants: the history, the nomenclature, the varieties and their usage. I enjoy reading the works of the world's famous gardeners and their gardens. Recently I have been involved with the native reforestation of one of the City Council's reserves and in particular encouraging local schools to participate in its planning, planting and maintenance.
MICHELE MOORE
Plants fascinate me, so I studied Botany and Environmental Science and then worked in Ngahere, native forest parks, and subsequently have been involved in a wide variety of plant interests. A member of the CHS since 2015, I am currently the Fruit & Vegetable Circle programme convener, bringing support for those new to gardening, plus topics of interest to more experienced gardeners. I am a keen participant in the other CHS groups too, and you will find me taking photos at these events that we can use to promote our organisation. I have links with many of the affiliate groups and am the Social Media and Marketing Manager of the Canterbury HERB Society, a CHS affiliate. I work to bring a modern relevant feel and twenty-first century approach to the events and workings of the CHS.
GAIL SCRIVENER (Garden Club Representative)
Management and Staff
Liz Parder, Office Manager
office@chsgardens.co.nz
Emma Velde, Communication
info@chsgardens.co.nz
Colin Meurk is the Honorary Botanist for the Canterbury Horticultural Society
Neiel Drain is the as Patron of the Canterbury Horticultural Society and Life member