Aotearoa in Bloom

Rachel Clare is a gardening journalist and editor who has written articles on all things botanical, from kowhai to community gardens and composting. She’s the associate editor of Kiwi Gardener magazine and was formerly editor of OrganicNZ magazine, deputy editor of NZ Gardener magazine and digital editor of Get Growing. A self-confessed flower fanatic, who loves bushwalks, waterfalls and native birdsong, she lives in Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland with her partner, Jacob, and their two children.

Tryphena is Te Mataua Maui born and bred. Rongomaiwahine is her iwi, with a?liations also to Ngati Kahungunu. A lifelong gardener from a whanau of plant lovers, she has recently worked in conservation management. As an Operations Manager for the Department of Conservation in Rekohu, Chatham Islands, and Hawke’s Bay, she has been part of caring for Aotearoa’s living taonga - ?ora and fauna. Her earlier career was spent in museums and art galleries as a curator, historian and kaitiaki taonga Maori. Her published writing spans art, textiles, fashion, Maori arts practice and contemporary New Zealand jewellery. Tryphena lives in Napier with her partner, Cain, and three sons.