Bay Of Plenty Man Receives New Zealand’s Highest Conservation Prize

Tauranga man, Mark Dean has tonight been presented with New Zealand’s highest conservation accolade - the Loder Cup.

Dean was presented with the Cup by the Minister of Conservation, the Hon Kate Wilkinson at a function in Tauranga hosted by the Nursery and Garden Industry Association, (NGIA).

He was nominated for the award by the NGIA for his services to botany .Dean is not only a past President but also a life member of the NGIA.

“The commitment of Mark Dean has been extraordinary. When native plants were not fashionable, he championed their conservation. He has been a major driving force behind changes in industry and consumer attitudes. We’re absolutely thrilled that his efforts have been acknowledged in this way,” says John Liddle, Chief Executive of NGIA.

Conservation Minister, Kate Wilkinson, said of Mr Dean:
“He has spent much of the past 30 years inspiring others as an advisor, teacher and role model both within the horticulture industry and in community conservation projects.

“Mark is a conservation champion and it is a pleasure to award him the Loder Cup,” she said.

Mark Dean and wife Esme set up their business Naturally Native some 32 years ago well before native plants were in vogue.

He recalls setting up his trade stand at the 1989 Field Days only to be greeted by grumbles of: “We’ve spent years getting rid of these plants and this clown wants us to buy them back. He must be mad!”

How times have changed. Naturally Native is now one of the biggest native plant nurseries in New Zealand. Their growing customer base includes farmers and rural folk alike, but that’s not how Mark Dean measures success.

“My vision has always been for Aotearoa to look like Aotearoa not a mini England or Japan. Botanists from all over the world admire our unique flora and my vision has been to change New Zealanders attitudes towards these plants. Slowly but surely this is happening and that’s the legacy I feel most proud of,” he says.

Mark feels overwhelmed by the attention the award has generated. He is quick to credit his achievements to the support of his wife, Esme whose role in the company enabled him to pursue his other conservation interests"

“We nominated Mark not just because of his contribution to our industry but his commitment to all things conservation evidenced in the long list of groups he continues to support,” says Liddle.

ENDS

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