NZ Bonsai Convention 2026

Wellington

Trees for display

Let us know how many trees or Shohin groups you would like to enter in a single or multipoint display. Send us a photo of each tree or display setting.

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

All entrants must supply their own stands and accents.

If you wish to enter your tree(s) into the NZBA competition, the rules for entry and the entry form can be found here https://www.bonsainz.com/competitions
Please indicate on your submission whether you are entering the NZBA competition with which tree(s).

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

Entering Suiseki for the Show

Let us know how many suiseki you would like to enter, their origin (NZ or overseas) and if you wish to display your stone in a formal two- or three-point display setting. Send us a photo of each stone or display setting.

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

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 will be confirmed soon. We will be back in touch.

Entering Kusamono for the Show

Let us know how many kusamono you would like to enter. Also let us know if you wish to display your kusamono in a formal two- or multi-point display setting. Send us a photo of each kusamono or display setting.

All entrants must supply their own stands and accents.

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

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.

Entering Ceramics for the Show

Let us know if you would like to enter your treasured vintage, classic or contemporary bonsai ceramics for display. Send us a photo of each.

All entrants must supply their own stands for the ceramic.

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

Entering the NZBA’s Emerging Talent Competition

This competition recognizes and promotes new bonsai talent in New Zealand and will be run by the NZBA in the Lower Hutt Event Centre Town Hall on Friday 9th October, 10am – 1pm.

The rules for entry and the entry form can be found here. Note, trees and wire will be provided by the NZBA.

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

Entering the Joy Morton Photographic Competition

This competition is run by the NZBA and Joy Morton.

The rules for entry and the entry form can be found here.

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. We will be back in touch.

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.

Register your interest to display here (whether you or your Club is a member of the NZ Bonsai Association or not).

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.