BGANZ is the peak body representing botanic gardens across Australia and New Zealand.

With over 160 members, 90+ of which are botanic gardens and arboreta, our vision is to create a future where plants are valued and protected, ensuring a greener, healthier and more resilient world for generations to come.

Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purpose of scientific research, conservation, display, and/or education. They play a significant role in plant conservation through science and research, but importantly they are the interface between plant conservation and the public and are responsible for educating and empowering communities in safeguarding our plants. They provide significant benefits to our health and well-being and are vital green spaces of social, cultural and heritage value within communities.

Botanic gardens are increasingly being recognised as the frontline in tackling the biggest challenges facing our future — biodiversity loss, adaptation to a changing climate, food security and pest and disease management.

Operating since 2004, our membership is not limited to botanic gardens but has expanded to allied institutions that share our vision including zoos, councils, cemeteries, nurseries, educational institutions and non-botanic gardens. We envision a future where every community has access to diverse and healthy plant life, where green spaces are cherished and protected, and where sustainable livelihoods are built around the cultivation and preservation of plants.

Our purpose is to unite and strengthen the botanic gardens network, promoting a deeper appreciation for plants and fostering plant conservation to safeguard our natural world.

We do this by focusing on five strategic priorities:

• Activating: building organisational excellence, strengthening our brand and cultivating diverse partners
• Advocating: influencing government and industry policies and programs that advance botanic gardens
• Educating: raise stakeholder and community awareness of the true value of botanic gardens and their contribution to conservation and a sustainable society
• Elevating: developing a strong network, offering professional development, training, resources for best practice, and inspiration for future generations
• Celebrating: showcasing member excellence and amplifying communication and outreach efforts.

Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand – BGANZ –  was registered as an Incorporated Association on 6 April 2004.  BGANZ members voted to transition to a company limited by guarantee at a Special General Meeting held on 28 April 2022.  BGANZ Ltd commenced on 1 July 2022.  For more details, see the news item,  BGANZ Ltd commences 1 July 2022.

The BGANZ Ltd Board conducts the affairs of the Company. The current Board Members are listed here.

BGANZ Ltd became a registered charity on 22 October 2022 and received Deductible Gift Recipient status on 29 November 2023.

From 1 January 2024, all donations over $2 are tax deductible. Please contact Cassandra Nichols, CEO, at ceo@bganz.org.au if you would like to make a donation.