Dr. Keith Hammett
Dr. Keith Hammett is New Zealand's leading professional breeder of ornamental plants. He originally studied botany at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and followed with a PhD in plant pathology.
An established scientific background and long research history Keith sees the creation of ornamental plants as an art form comparable to other areas of aesthetic activity.
Dr. Hammett's Dahlias have won top awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's trials and were featured in the Chelsea Flower show. His Dahlias are renowned for their bright vibrant flowers with dark central discs, and very dark bronze to black foliage and represent a change in breeding direction for Dahlias resulting from breeding with species of Dahlia not previously used. Dr. Hammett was recently awarded the Reginald Cory Cup by the RHS for his pioneering work with Dahlias, the first time in three quarters of a century that this award had come to New Zealand.
Keith is now exclusively engaged with developing KiwiFlora's own line of new genetics.
Email keith@drkeithhammett.co.nz
Our People
KiwiFlora, is a successful plant breeding company and a breeder’s representative, acting for other like-minded Plant Breeders who want to place their plant inventions onto the world stage.
We have a small cost effective and dedicated team, specifically aimed at bringing new plant creations to the world, from either our own breeding programs or those from our stable of passionate Plant Breeders.
Malcolm Woolmore
With his significant presence in the Australasian plant propagation industry, Malcolm is widely known to the ornamental horticultural community. Accordingly, one of his prime areas of focus is to enlarge and maintain connections with core breeders and identify new plant variety opportunities for the KiwiFlora portfolio. He also maintains his own interest as a breeder in producing new exciting plants.
From his initial Science Degree to his subsequent lifelong involvement in plant propagation, Malcolm has the perfect skill set to understand and meet the challenges of breeding and producing new plants.
He has a close association with the New Zealand industry body (NZPPI), being recently recognised with an Honorary Life Membership and has been a member of the International Plant Propagations Society for 30 years, previously serving as the International President of IPPS.
In addition, Malcolm was recently received as an Associate of Honour by the RNZIH (Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture) in recognition of his contribution to New Zealand horticulture.
Email malcolm@kiwiflora.com
Trina Woolmore
Trina, an award winning garden designer, has a keen interest in perennials and all plants included in timeless gardens. Her input adds a professional design perspective to our team.
If you are in need of photos for marketing purposes please contact Trina.
Email trina@kiwiflora.com
Shona Reilly
Joining KiwiFlora as Operations Manager, Shona oversees the administrative and financial framework crucial to keeping our business growing. With a robust background in finance and business administration, she specialises in streamlining processes, managing accounts, and optimising day-to-day operations. Her role provides the vital infrastructure that supports our dedicated team, ensuring our global breeding programs along with our growing partnerships run seamlessly.
Shona's connection to horticulture is personal as well as professional. An avid lifelong gardener, she enjoys growing everything from vegetables to ornamentals. Her deep appreciation for flowering plants was sparked by her mother's love for unusual and distinctive blooms - an inspiration that stays with Shona today and perfectly aligns with KiwiFlora's pursuit of unique plant genetics.