NZ Bonsai Convention 2026

From Raw to Refined - taking trees from development to exhibition.
Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt Central 5010, October 9 – 11, 2026.

Welcome to the 2026 National Bonsai Convention hosted by the Wellington Bonsai Club. Whether you are new or experienced, come share our passion for all things bonsai.
Come and learn from the USA’s Jonas Dupuich and national experts as they create and refine bonsai.
See our displays of bonsai, suiseki (viewing stones), kusamono (hand-sized gardens), accent plants and the art of the potter. Visit and shop in our vendor’s area, renew acquaintances, make new friends and share ideas.
This website is our portal to the programme and registering for the convention and workshops, your interest to display, be a demonstrator, be a vendor, and to offer stock for the demonstrations.
The NZ Bonsai Association is running the National Bonsai, Suiseki, Emerging Talent and Joy Morton Photographic competitions in parallel with the convention. You can register for these on this site too if you or your Club is a member of the Association.

Demonstrators

Meet our demonstrators

Jonas Dupuich

I got my start in bonsai over twenty years ago when I met Boon Manakitivipart while working at my family’s nursery. After seeing a tree he had styled – a neglected black pine – I was hooked.

That experience kicked off more than two decades of study with Boon. During that time, I became a founding member of his club, Bay Island Bonsai, and I started this website – the Bonsai Tonight Blog.

In 2015, my hobby became my profession. I now teach classes, work on trees, and run a small bonsai business full-time.

Local Demonstrators

Local Demonstrator

Coming soon

Local Demonstrator

Coming soon

Local Demonstrator

Coming soon

Tickets

Workshop Registration

TBC

One tree per person

Bring your own tree, wire and tools

Limited to 6 participants per half day session

Day Registration

TBC

Access to all demonstrations

Access to exhibits and vendors for Saturday or Sunday

Full Registration

TBC

Access to all demonstrations

Access to exhibits and vendors

Morning and Afternoon tea as well as light lunch for both days

Welcome Function

TBC

Canapés and cash bar

Early access to the display and vendor’s area

Maximum of 80 persons

Dinner Function

TBC

Three course plated / buffet dinner

Cash bar

Maximum of 80 persons

Programme

Friday 9th October 4.00pm – 8.00pm

4.00pm                             Registrations open, Event Centre Atrium.

5.30 – 8.00pm                 Welcome function, Event Centre Atrium and Event Space 2.

NOTE: Doors to the display and vendors area will be opened to Welcome Function registrants ONLY from 6.00pm.

Saturday 10th October 8.30am – 5.00pm

8.30am – 4.00pm          Registrations.

9.00am                             Exhibition, displays and vendors open to registrants and public.

9.20am                                           Opening and welcome.

9.30am – 12 noon          Jonas Dupuich, demonstration raw material.

NZ demonstrator(s).

Morning tea available from 10.45am.

12 noon – 1.00pm          Lunch.

1.00pm – 5.00pm          Jonas Dupuich, demonstration on developing first stage material(s?).

NZ demonstrator(s).

Afternoon tea available from 2.30pm – 3pm.

5.00pm                             Close.

6.30pm – 11.00pm        Convention dinner, guest speaker and NZBA awards.

Sunday 11th October 9am – 3.00pm

8.30am – 9.30am           Day Registrations.

9.00am – 3.00pm          Exhibition, displays and vendors open to registrants and public.

9.30am – 12 noon          Jonas Dupuich demo ‘Refining bonsai’.

NZ demonstrator(s)

Morning tea available 10.30am – 11.00am.

12 noon – 1.00pm          Lunch

1.00pm – 1.45pm          Jonas Dupuich talk and demo ‘Preparing for exhibition – choosing pots and display stands.

1.45pm – 2.45pm          NZ demonstrator(s).

Afternoon tea available from 2.00pm.

2.45pm Close.

Monday / Tuesday 12th – 13th October 9am – 4pm, Workshops with Jonas Dupuich

‘Tramping Club / Wellington Bonsai Club rooms, Philip Evans Reserve, Lower Hutt.

Two sessions daily, 9am – 12 noon and 1pm – 4pm. Doors open 8.45am.

Bring your own lunch, refreshments provided.’

Sponsors

general enquiries

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