HBRW 2026 - Aotearoa in Bloom

With more than 2,000 species of native flowers, many found nowhere else in the world, Aotearoa has an extraordinary botanical story to tell. In Aotearoa in Bloom, gardening writer and flower enthusiast Rachel Clare joins forces with passionate gardener, crafter and foodie Tryphena Cracknell to celebrate New Zealand’s remarkable flora. Subtitled The History, Culture and Practical Uses of New Zealand’s Flowers, the book brings together stunning photography, botanical illustrations, fascinating historical insights and practical gardening advice. Elisabeth Easther talks with Rachel and Tryphena about the inspiration behind the book, their shared love of flowers and native plants, and the stories woven through Aotearoa’s botanical heritage. About the Authors Rachel Clare is a gardening writer with a lifelong fascination for flowers. She has written hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from kōwhai to compost and is associate editor of Kiwi Gardener. She has previously been editor of Get Growing and OrganicNZ, and deputy editor of NZ Gardener. Her children’s book Play Wild: Nature Craft Projects for Tamariki was a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Rachel grew up in Ahuriri Napier and has been friends with Tryphena Cracknell since she was 13, with the pair sharing a lifelong love of flowers, native plants and gardening. Tryphena Cracknell (Rongomaiwahine) is a passionate gardener, crafter and foodie whose career has spanned museums, art galleries and conservation. As a curator, historian and kaitiaki, she has worked with remarkable taonga tuku iho, while her published writing explores art, textiles, Māori arts practice and contemporary jewellery. Tryphena also writes a regular column on native plants for Kiwi Gardener. More recently, she has worked in conservation caring for Aotearoa’s flora and fauna, including as operations manager for the Department of Conservation on Rēkohu Chatham Islands.