Exhibitors

NZ Bonsai Expo 2026

Wellington

Here you can register your interests to display and to enter any of the competitions you wish.

Important things to note are:
The Expo displays and competitions are open to anyone.

Entries to the NZBA display and competitions are NOT eligible for the wider Expo display and competitions.

For the Expo display and competitions:
Any tree submitted for the Expo display and competition must have been owned by the current owner for at least 2 years. This includes yamadori and collected trees.

NZBA registration page can be found here

Trees

Trees for display

Let us know how many trees or Shohin groups you would like to enter in a single- or multi-point display and what length of table you would ideally want for each tree or display. Send us a photo of each tree or Shohin display group and let us know the approximate size (height and width) of your trees or Shohin display

There is no limit to the number of trees or Shohin groups you can enter for consideration. Shohin groups must have 3 or more trees.

All entrants must supply their own stands and accents.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 1st June 2026

Suiseki

Entering Suiseki for the Show

Let us know how many suiseki you would like to enter, their origin (NZ or overseas), their approximate size, and if you wish to display your stone in a formal two- or three-point display setting, what length of table you would ideally want for your display.

There is no limit to the number of stones you can enter for consideration.

All entrants must supply their own stands and accents if used. Stones must be mounted on a daiza or be placed in a suiban or doban.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st June 2026

Kusamono

Entering Kusamono for the Show

Let us know how many kusamono you would like to enter, their approximate size, and if you wish to display your kusamono in a formal two- or multi-point display setting, what length of table you would ideally want for your display

All entrants must supply their own stands and accents.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st June 2026

Accents

Entering Accents for the Show

Let us know how if you would like to feature a display of accents (plants, okimono or a combination). Send us a photo of the intended display.

All entrants must supply their own stands and accents for the display.

The closing date for applications will be confirmed soon. We will be back in touch.

Ceramics

Entering Ceramics for the Show

Let us know if you would like to enter your treasured vintage, classic or contemporary bonsai ceramics for display or for the competition.

Ceramics can either be displayed directly on the table, or on a mat, jita, slab or stand including appropriately sized boxes draped in black cloth. You must supply your own display materials and drapery.

All entrants must supply their own stands for the ceramic.

Ceramics competition rules will be announced shortly.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st June 2026

Stock Trees

The Wellington Bonsai Club invites offers of high-quality stock trees for Jonas to demonstrate and work his magic with. We are looking for:

1. Raw stock (nursery, field-grown or yamadori (collected)) to be taken on the first steps of the journey to becoming a bonsai.

2. Trees which have had their first styling, perhaps by a demonstrator in a previous convention or workshop, and are now ready for the second styling to become show worthy.

3. Well established and showable trees for refinement.

The Club offers the following options:

1. You keep the tree after it is styled, paying the Club $400 for Jonas’ work.

2. The Club auctions the tree after Jonas’ work, splitting the proceeds 50/50 with you.

3. You donate the tree to the Club and it is auctioned after Jonas’ work, all proceeds going to support the costs of hosting the convention.

4. The Club buys the tree from you at an agreed price and it is auctioned after Jonas’ work, all proceeds going to support the costs of hosting the convention.

The closing date for offers and your option preference will be confirmed shortly. Please tell us all about the tree and provide photos from 4 sides.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st June 2026.

Registration

Beside the usual display of fantastic bonsai from around the country, we are also showcasing the complementary arts of suiseki, kusamono, accent plants and the potter.

Display spaces of up to 1.7m will be allocated to allow you to display your treasures to their best in a single or multipoint display.

We will also invite some Lower North Island Clubs or groups to set up a display.

All exhibitors are responsible for delivering and setting up their exhibit in their allocated space, and any daily care requirements.