NZBA Demonstrator Matt Hudson
AREA: Auckland / Waikato
CLUBS: Primarily Auckland Bonsai (committee member), but also Hamilton Bonsai Club
PHONE: 0204 020 9405
EMAIL: whanakebonsai@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: Whanake Bonsai
WEBSITE: https://whanakebonsai.com/
FEES: Please contact me directly to discuss fees.
TEACHING / DEMONSTRATING PREFERENCES:
I like getting hands on during any demonstrations or presentations I do, as my strengths definitely lie in my technique and ability to teach through action. That being said, I’m also a trained horticulturist with a keen passion in discussing the finer details of the horticultural and scientific approach to bonsai. It’s not uncommon for me to drift off into a discussion of soil biology while wiring a tree.
SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:
My two big passions in bonsai are working with deciduous / broadleaf trees, as well as unlocking the potential of our many fantastic native species. I believe in constantly working to develop, adapt and improve our aesthetic and technical approach to this ancient craft.
BACKGROUND:
My career in the arts began after leaving high school to study Jazz performance at university. I spent a few years working as a touring / session musician for various classical and contemporary groups before deciding the musician life wasn’t for me and moving to Melbourne. It was there where I was bitten by the bonsai bug after seeing some of Walter Pall’s trees online, and decided to throw everything I had into pursuing a life with tiny trees.
I completed my horticultural qualifications in Melbourne and began working with a Japanese master gardener while further studying bonsai at any opportunity offered to me, whether it be international visitors or local practitioners. I eventually started my own tree care business in Melbourne while also growing and selling bonsai, doing the odd demo or presentation and giving private lessons.
In 2020 I decided to move back to NZ to set up my own professional bonsai practice ‘Whanake Bonsai’ in the Franklin area of the North Island. I am currently working to build my physical nursery and store, but in the interim I sell through my webstore while offering private tuition, maintenance work and club demonstrations.