Department of Conservation (DOC) Director General Penny Nelson recently presented the prestigious Loder Cup to John Barkla, a renowned botanist nominated by the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. His nomination was supported by botanical societies, conservation boards, tertiary institutions, and researchers.
Barkla, who has dedicated over 30 years of service to DOC in various roles in Whanganui and Otago, continues to contribute to the conservation community. He is a long-standing member of the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, having served as president for three years, and has been involved with the Botanical Society of Otago for more than two decades.
Throughout his career, Barkla has played a key role in supporting DOC’s efforts to conserve threatened plants in the Otago region. His expertise as a field botanist is highly respected, and he has contributed to the New Zealand Threat Classification System by assessing the status of vascular plants. He has also supported regional threat classification assessments.
“John’s passion for plants is legendary,” said Penny Nelson. “He works tirelessly, often in his own time, to protect plants that many might overlook. He has championed species like the small-leaved tree daisy (Olearia) and inland cresses (Lepidium).”
In recent years, Barkla made significant discoveries, including a new population of Craspedia “Cape Saunders” on the Otago Peninsula. He also rediscovered rare plants such as Veronica lilliputiana and Myosotis rakiura, as well as the only known surviving population of a small daisy, now named Solenogyne christensenii, near Lake Wanaka.
Barkla’s work has also advanced the conservation of the Nationally Vulnerable Olearia hectorii. His successful seedling trials have provided valuable insights into how to propagate this rare species.
“John is an outstanding botanist who shares his extensive knowledge generously,” added Penny Nelson. “He has collected over 700 specimens for herbaria housed in seven different institutions and has made a significant impact on citizen science, contributing more than 25,000 observations and assisting with the identification of 76,000 others.”
After more than 40 years of involvement in plant conservation, Barkla’s contributions to New Zealand’s native flora are immeasurable. “He is truly deserving of the Loder Cup,” Nelson concluded.
Established in 1926 by plant collector Gerald Loder, the Loder Cup is one of New Zealand’s oldest conservation awards. It honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the investigation, preservation, and promotion of New Zealand’s indigenous plants.
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