Rayner Memorial Trophy
The Best White Bloom is awarded this trophy, a tray, presented by the South Taranaki Branch in memory of the late Ben Rayner who died suddenly in May, 1976. It was frist competed for in the same year and was originally for the Best White bloom over he whole show, but is now applied to the winner of a special class for white blooms. Ben Rayner of Cardiff, near Stratford, was a camellia personality and enthusiast extraordinary. He sought after and gradually built up one of the most extensive collectios of camellias anywhere. He visited America, had many contacts overseas and extended his plantings over several acres of the farm. The Saluensis hybrid 'Wynne Rayner', named for his wife, was one of the best of the camellias he raised.
The previous trophy winners:
2023 KathyPhillips
2022 Kathy Phillips
2021 Kathy Phillips
2019 Derek and Jenny Beard
2018 Rita Verry
2017 Harvey Howard
2016 Kerry and Alan Upson Elegans Champagne
2015 Pat Flockhart
2014 Vivienne Thomas Silver Star
2013 Rodger Aitchison Fimbriata
2012 Harvey and Dianne Howard Silver Chalice
2011 Harvey and Dianne Howard Dr Colin Crisp
2010 June Newson Elegans Champagne
2009 Harvey and Dianne Howard Ruffian
2008 June Newson Elegans Champagne
2007 Harvey and Dianne Howard Swan Lake
2006 June Newson Avalanche
2005 Harvey and Dianne Howard Ruffian
2004 Derek and Jenny Beard Lemon Drop
2003 Helen Guthrie Onetia Holland
2002 June Newson Elegans Champagne
2001 Andrew Iles Fimbriata
2000 Rodger Aitchison Super Star
1999 Roan and Pat MacDonald Ruffian
1998 Dunedin Botanic Garden Coronation
1997 Janet Rogers Lovelight
1996 Heather Elliot Mrs Charles Simmonds
1995 Janet Rogers Swan Lake
1994 June Newson Super Star
1993 Vonnie Cave Silver Chalice
1992 J and R Clere Lily Pons
1991 Rod and Val Bieleski Elegans Champagne
1990 Janet Rogers Lovelight
1989 Mr and Mrs J Hansen Silver Chalice
1988 Mr and Mrs R Lauridsen Elegans Champagne
1987 Mr and Mrs A Elliott Elegans Champagne
1986 Mr and Mrs R Bambery
1985 H and V Cave
1984 Mr and Mrs R Bambery Elegans Champagne
1983 Mr and Mrs G Wallis Silver Chalice
1982 Mr and Mrs R Bambery Elegans Champagne
1981 Mrs W A Josephson K Sawada
1980 Mr and Mrs R Bambery Ragland Supreme
1979 P Drury Fimbriata
1978 Mrs N Turner Coronation
1977 Mr and Mrs J Hansen
1976 Mrs I Blumhardt Nuccio’s Gem