The Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand network is delighted to celebrate Wolfgang Bopp on being named a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (FRIH) for 2026.
Currently Director of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and a valued member of the BGANZ committee, Wolfgang has built an internationally respected career spanning botanic gardens, horticulture, conservation, and public engagement.
His journey began with a childhood fascination for cacti on a windowsill in Germany and has since taken him to some of the world’s leading horticultural institutions. Wolfgang was the founding Curator of the National Botanic Garden of Wales and later became Director of the renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in the UK.
In 2004, The Guardian recognised Wolfgang as one of 80 young people expected to help “shape our lives in the 21st century” — a prediction reflected in the significant impact of his leadership across the horticultural sector.
Since joining the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in 2018, Wolfgang has led major restoration initiatives, advanced plant conservation and biosecurity projects, and continued strengthening the role of botanic gardens as places of science, learning, wellbeing, and community connection.
Alongside his leadership roles, Wolfgang is also a senior RHS judge and Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Gardens Trust, helping bridge the worlds of plant science, public gardens, and the enduring value people place on beautiful green spaces.
Wolfgang’s recognition as an RNZIH Fellow is a testament to a career dedicated to horticultural excellence, conservation leadership, and the power of botanic gardens to enrich communities locally and globally.
Congratulations, Wolfgang!
Read the announcement from RNZIH here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E7tt6jqyS
Image credit: RNZIH and Wolfgang Bopp
