With Wellington City Council committing funding and support towards improving the Begonia House in the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, work is starting next month as part of the refurbishment project.

Detailed design and consenting for construction works is now being progressed, with the first phase of preparation seeing the tropical end of the Begonia House closing from 1 November to allow the plant collection to be removed safely.

In addition to restoring the 65-year-old building to an appropriate working order, the project will include replacing all the glass, replacing and repairing parts of the glasshouse structure, as well as refurbishing the public toilets, café, kitchen, old shop space, and staff facilities.

Manager Wellington Gardens Bec Ramsay says building design and project planning has been a collaborative effort between staff and project partners given the unique nature and purpose of the building.

“Moving logistics for this significant plant collection are well underway behind the scenes”.

“Refurbishment of the Begonia House through targeted remediation will preserve the site’s heritage, and build on the future of this vibrant space for plants, people, and events”.

“The logistics of the project considers a range of factors, including how we protect our plant collections, manage propagation, and coordinate the removal and eventual reintroduction of plants once the space is completed, alongside thinking about opportunities to enhance how visitors experience the space.”

The next phase will see the remaining floral displays moved in January, and construction works starting in February, with the goal of fully reopening in May 2027. The Picnic Café will be closed temporarily from about June to August 2026 with a coffee cart in place for the interim.

This project is being delivered alongside the Friends of Wellington Botanic Gardens and other project partners.

The Friends are a community group of volunteers who are currently focusing on their fundraising efforts and creating some exciting opportunities for donors says Mazz Scannell.

“As part of the welcomed remediation plans, we are partnering with Council kaimahi to help deliver some of the enhancements that will ensure the Begonia House continues to be the much-loved, interesting and well frequented space it has been for decades.

“Following the over-whelming support from Wellingtonians to keep the Begonia House we are encouraging everyone to continue the kaupapa and help us raise over $1 million for the project.”

Donations will be recognised on an etched glass panel installed in the foyer area of the conservatory, and larger donations will also be recognised in the restored conservatory.

Donations will fund internal and external lighting, upgraded fittings, exterior landscape work, events spaces, and the final touches to this much-loved place.

The Council has committed funding for the project through the Long-term Plan, with a budget of $11 million to complete the work under a scope of ‘minimum remedial works’ as was consulted on during the 2024-34 Long-term Plan amendment.

The Lady Norwood Begonia House - a short history

• The Begonia House at Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā was opened in 1960.
• The building, which complements the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, is part of a broader landscape originally planned straight after World War II by Edward Hutt. J.G. McKenzie who wanted to build a winter garden before World War II but never secured the funding.
• The Begonia House is a conservatory – it includes a wide range of plants that are usually found in tropical climates but cannot grow unprotected in Wellington’s temperate climate, and plants that make a stunning display of botanical interest.
• It was built and extended with significant donations from the Norwood family. Sir Charles Norwood was a successful businessman, philanthropist and Mayor of Wellington.
• The building and rose garden (opened in 1950) are named for his wife Rosina Norwood, who donated substantial sums to the garden. The couple were both keen supporters of the city’s parks and gardens.
• The Botanic Garden welcomes around 1.2 million local, regional and international visitors each year. An estimated 238,000 people visit the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Café and Begonia House each year.

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