Three rosarians from the Manawatu were recently honoured with awards recognising their service to the rose in New Zealand.
Peter Elliott was presented with the T.A. Stewart Memorial Award for service to the rose in Australia or New Zealand. Peter has had a significant involvement with the rose at local, national and international level.
Locally, Peter has served three terms as President of the Manawatu Rose Society and is currently its Secretary/Treasurer. He is a past President of the New Zealand Rose Society and has served in the roles of Chief Judge, Chief Judge and Chairman of the International Rose Trial Grounds Committee in Palmerston North.
Peter also served three terms representing Australasia on the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) and was presented with the WFRS Silver Medal in 2015. Peter also convened the organising committee for the WFRS Regional Convention held in Palmerston North in 2013.
John Ford was presented with the New Zealand Rose Award for services to the rose in New Zealand.
A Past President and Life Member of the Manawatu Rose Society, John has also served on the New Zealand Rose Society Council and is also currently the Chairman of the New Zealand International Rose Trials Committee in Palmerston North.
John for many years ran a small rose nursery supplying rose plants around the country and is now involved in breeding new varieties. His variety ‘Bright Eyes’ won the Gold and Silver Stars, along with the Nola Simpson Novelty Award at the 2020 New Zealand International Rose Trial Ground awards.
In receiving the award, John acknowledged the support of his wife Christine and his four children who have all assisted along the way.
Heather Macdonell was presented with the New Zealand Rose Society Lifetime Service Award to recognise her 42 years’ service as NZRS Secretary/Treasurer. This is the first time this award has been presented and recognises Heather’s outstanding contribution to the New Zealand Rose Society.
The New Zealand Rose Society has been very fortunate to have Heather’s knowledge, skills and experience to guide it over the years she has served in her positions. Heather has spent many hours working for the betterment of the New Zealand Rose Society and roses in general, often behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the NZRS and its activities and events. Heather has also often been the first point of contact for new members or for enquiries from the public.
“Peter, John and Heather have given many years of service to the rose and on behalf of all rose enthusiasts, I congratulate them on their awards” says Hayden Foulds, President of the New Zealand Rose Society.
