The New Zealand Native Orchid Group has members throughout New Zealand and even some abroad who have a strong interest in the native orchids of New Zealand.
The active members engage in the observation, study and conservation of New Zealand’s native orchids. The main activities are:
Journal
The Journal, published quarterly, provides a link among members and a forum to discuss ideas, new discoveries and report on scientific changes. Journal articles often provide early reports of new discoveries that can lead to the description of new species.
AGM
The AGM is held between October and December at varying localities and is timed to provide a good opportunity for one or more local field trips that will provide the opportunity to see as many orchids in flower as possible. It is usually held over a weekend, starting with a get together on the Friday evening.
Field trips
Although the main formal field trip or trips coincide with the AGM, informal, local day trips may be held. Longer “tag along” trips to explore areas over a week or so, may be advertised by email. These trips are informal and participants are expected to organise their own transport and accommodation.
Regional contacts
Some members have volunteered to act as a local contact to advise on suitable places to visit and can offer information on local flowering times etc. Sometimes they may be available to act as a local guide. They are located in:
Far North, Mid Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson/Marlborough Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Stewart Island.
Other societies
The society has links with the Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) and its regional (State) members. This provides access to their publications and may be useful if you intend to visit Australia.
Research
The society provides grants to support orchid research, particularly through student grants. There are often supervised through Te Papa by Carlos Lehnebach. Members often support these research projects by providing relevant local information. Members also carry out investigations that are reported in the Journal.
Mapping
Since its inception the society has been active in mapping species distributions and recording flowering times. This resource can help in finding plants in flower