Heritage Roses New Zealand Inc. provides a focus for a deeply felt need among a large cross-section of the community to nurture an interest in the beautiful roses of the past; thus ensuring the preservation and continued existence of old roses which are living antiques.

Aims and Objectives of the Society

• to encourage suitable plantings of old roses in public places for the betterment of the community generally
• to encourage the public generally to grow and enjoy old roses
• to function in harmony with Rose Societies in New Zealand and overseas
• to organise visits to gardens or places of historical interest where old roses are grown
• to recognise excellence and achievement by the presentation of national awards

Heritage Roses NZ was formed in June 1980 by Mrs Toni Sylvester and the late Mr Ken Nobbs, both of whom had a specific interest in the study of old fashioned roses. Toni and Ken had previously joined Heritage Rose groups in Australia and the USA to increase their knowledge. They believed others in NZ had a similar interest, so they advertised widely and attracted an immediate widespread response; thus Heritage Roses New Zealand was launched