Public Recognitions & Achievements

Steven currently serves as Vice President and National Demonstrator for the New Zealand Bonsai Association and is a former President of the Wellington Bonsai Club. Through these roles, he regularly demonstrates bonsai techniques and presents talks to horticultural societies throughout New Zealand.

He has been invited as a guest demonstrator at Garden Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s premier garden and wine festivals.

Steven’s work and philosophy surrounding bonsai have received national media recognition, including features on Seven Sharp TVNZ and interviews with Radio New Zealand. His story has also appeared in The Spinoff, New Zealand Gardener magazine, and international publications including NZ Satellite Asian Archive.

His contribution to cultural storytelling has further been recognised through inclusion in the New Zealand Oral History Archive held at the National Library of New Zealand in Auckland.

The Generation Gardener

Directed by Luke Ross

Released in early 2024 to celebrate 10 years of MiniGardens Bonsai NZ online store.

Behind every small business, there is a story worth sharing.

This short documentary was sponsored by Day ONE NZ to put our story on the big screen.

Seven Sharp TVNZ - Feature Story

Directed by James Hope

Produced by TVNZ - Aired on TVNZ 1

Graphic with yellow and red background divided diagonally, displaying the text 'seven sharp.' in bold red and yellow letters.

In this interview, we showed cased what our work involves on a daily bases.

We also shared with NZ audience our philosophy behind our work and our visions for the future of Bonsai for New Zealand.

Open magazine featuring bonsai trees with various shapes and styles, some on wooden bases, on a dark surface.
Open magazine with a photo of a man in a garden featuring a bonsai tree; the right page contains text about bonsai cultivation.
A man carrying a potted plant on a rooftop garden with various potted trees and shrubs.

NZ Gardener FEAT. Artist

Written by Clare Gleeson

Published by NZ Gardeners - Feb 2026

In this 10 page article/interview, we showcased some of our native bonsai work as well as our journey on growing bonsai trees in NZ.

We shared with the readers our bonsai caring tips as well as a full breakdown of ‘How to set up a NZ native bonsai’

New Zealand Gardener logo with green text and leaf design.
Two people stand inside a room with a large window showing a city skyline and water outside. One is a young man, and the other is an older woman, both smiling at the camera.

NZ National Oral History Archive

Interviewed by Oral Historian Sue Berman

Archived by NZ Auckland National Library

Steven was selected to share his story in a council funded project documenting the journeys of successful Asian immigrants in NZ. Through a 5 hours recording, Steven reflects on his life since moving to New Zealand with his family at the age of ten, tracing the path from early struggles to building a life and career today. Recording can be accessed by request from Auckland Council National Library.

Auckland Council Libraries logo featuring a stylized red flower with nine petals, green leaves, and blue water waves beneath the text.
Black and white photograph of a man in a uniform on a ship's deck, standing next to a potted bonsai tree, with crane and ship structures in the background.

SATELLITES - Aotearoa Asian Artist Feature

Interviewed & Written by Emma Ng

Archived by Satellites Magazine

READ NOW
The word 'SATELLITES' written in blocky black text on a gray background.

Steven has inspired thousands through his 300+ bonsai workshops across Aotearoa New Zealand. From beginner friendly classes to private one-on-one sessions, his workshops offer something for everyone. Whether it’s a creative community event or a memorable corporate team-building experience, Steven tailors each workshop to make it fun, inspiring, and truly unforgettable.