Canterbury Botanical Society aims to promote an interest in the study of botany, particularly the native flora of Canterbury and New Zealand. Our monthly evening meetings and field trips provide members with the opportunity to share their knowledge and learn from others. The participation of both professional and amateur botanists in Society events has proven to be a successful combination over the years.

 

The Society can trace its beginnings back to the Canterbury Native Flora Society which was founded in 1953. At the time it was felt that there was a need for a Society to focus on Canterbury flora. The early emphasis was on cultivation of native plants rather than studying them in the field.

In the same year, Lord Bledisloe donated money to establish trophies to be awarded to members and students for their worthy contribution to botany. The Society continues to award these trophies, although the focus of the awards has changed to reflect the current needs of the Society (see article in Journal 53).

Initially only one-day field trips were organised, but from 1957 this extended to weekend trips away. The Society flourished and by 1957 there were 167 members. In the 1960s membership declined and it was felt by some members that a broadening of focus was required to include the flora of all New Zealand plus the adventive (introduced) flora. In July 1966 the Canterbury Native Flora Society was renamed the Canterbury Botanical Society. This brought it more into line with the existing Wellington and Auckland Botanical Societies. Membership increased and in November 1968 the first Canterbury Botanical Society Journal was published. Since this first publication, a journal has been published in most years. Copies of the journal can be viewed online (except for the most recent volumes).

The early 1970s saw the addition of camps to Society activities. These camps provided the opportunity to visit areas further away from Christchurch. Quite often plant species lists were recorded or existing lists were updated. As well as the interest in matters botanical, there was the social side of camps to be enjoyed. At times whole families would attend, and the children would enjoy the area and soak up the botany without realising it. The Society continues to hold annual camps in the South Island. At times there have also been additional camps further afield (e.g. Chatham Islands).

In 1994 the Society established an annual Student Grant for postgraduate students whose studies contribute to the understanding and/or management of native flora and ecosystems.

The Society hosted a symposium in November 1996 which focused on the important contributions made by Etienne Raoul to the botany of Canterbury. The 50th anniversary of the Society was celebrated by holding a symposium in 2003 with the theme ‘Conserving Native Plants for the 22nd Century’. Journal 37 records the proceedings.

In June 2008 the Society became a registered charity. Donations received are targeted towards the Student Grants.

The Society today

Membership continues to sit just under the 200 mark. The exchange of journals and newsletters with other botanical organisations, both in New Zealand and overseas, helps to ensure that the Society continues to provide a valuable contribution to the understanding and appreciation of the flora of New Zealand.

Current Committee Members

President/Chair: Melissa Hutchison
Vice President: Tom Ferguson
Secretary: Fay Farrant
Treasurer: Sue Stevens
Membership Officer: Alice Shanks
Meeting and field trip coordinator: Tom Ferguson
Newsletter editor: Wendy Everingham
Website manager: Melissa Hutchison
Committee members:
– Jason Butt
– Joe Potter Butler
– Paula Godfrey
– Kate Steel
– Cara-Lisa Schloots

Journal Editor: John Clemens