HBRW 2026 - Aotearoa in Bloom

There are more than 2000 species of native New Zealand flowers, most of which are found nowhere else in the world. Rachel Clare, gardening writer and flower expert, and Tryphena Cracknell, a passionate gardener, crafter and foodie, have put their expertise together in Aotearoa in Bloom. Subtitled “the history, culture and practical uses of New Zealand’s flowers”, the book is packed with stunning photographs, botanical drawings, historical insight and gardening tips. Elisabeth Easther asks them about their floral inspiration.

About the Authors

Rachel Clare is a gardening writer who is obsessed with flowers. She has written hundreds of articles on botanical subjects ranging from kōwhai to compost, and is associate editor of Kiwi Gardener, a former editor of Get Growing and OrganicNZ, and former 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. She grew up in Ahuriri Napier and has been friends with Tryphena Cracknell since she was 13 years old, sharing a lifelong love of flowers, native plants and gardening.

Tryphena Cracknell (Rongomaiwahine) is a passionate gardener, crafter and foodie. She has spent a large part of her career working in museums and art galleries as a curator, historian and kaitiaki for amazing taonga tuku iho. Her published writing tends to focus on art, textiles, Māori arts practice and contemporary jewellery. She writes a regular column on native plants for Kiwi Gardener. In recent years, she has worked in conservation, caring for flora and fauna, including as operations manager for the Department of Conservation on Rēkohu Chatham Islands.

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