Geoff Laird Award for 2025

The New Zealand Orchid Society is pleased to recognise Hubert and Tania of Ninox Orchids as the recipients of the Geoff Laird Award for 2025.

Recently, Noel Townsley travelled to the Whangarei Orchid Society meeting to present the award in person. The Geoff Laird Award is one of the New Zealand Orchid Society’s notable honours. It recognises outstanding orchids grown and exhibited by orchid growers throughout New Zealand.

This year’s award went to Zygoneria Kiwi Advance ‘Ruru’ AM/NZOS**, grown by **Ninox Orchids. The plant was first granted an Award of Merit, AM/NZOS, and was later nominated by NZOS judges as the recipient of the Geoff Laird Award for 2025.

Hubert and Tania are well known in orchid circles across New Zealand and are regular supporters of orchid shows around the country. This award reflects the high standard of orchids they grow and present.

The flower is striking. The petals and sepals are green with dark brown spotting, while the labellum is white with heavy dark purple striping. The plant also stood out for its quality and presentation. It has clean foliage and produces two to three spikes per bulb. At the time of judging, it carried five spikes with 19 open blooms and five buds, with a bloom width of 64 mm.

Congratulations to Hubert and Tania of Ninox Orchids on this well-deserved recognition and on producing such an outstanding plant.

You can view all New Zealand Orchid Society awards for 2025 at this link.