Government House has been most impressed with the service provided by Bark Limited, at Government House Wellington and Auckland, since 1995 and 1997 respectively. The principal of the firm, Kerei Thompson, is very approachable, co-operative, knowledgeable and demands high standards. His staff are efficient, always busy and look smart. The firm's work is always of a high standard and we received considerable favourable comment on the improvements Bark Limited has made to the grounds at both Government House Wellington and Auckland on the current appearance of the grounds at the two houses.

Manager Support Services, Government House, New Zealand

In all my years as a garden consultant Kerei Thompson is head and shoulders above any horticultural contractor I have encountered. He has an unusual ability to grasp the essentials of a project particularly the requirements regarding maintenance, matching this with good horticulture. When he encounters a problem he seeks advice. Kerei puts his work above all other considerations even if this means personal monetary sacrifice.

Bark Ltd are well above average and consistently maintain a exceptionally high standard taking no short cuts. They are pleasant, willing and knowledgeable and Kerei has an agreeable way of organising them and getting results. Good teamwork is the outcome. One of the rewards of working with Kerei lies in the knowledge that any work planned will be carried out in the shortest possible time with the best outcome for all.

Gordon Collier, Anacapri.

Government House grounds are an outstanding benchmark of garden management in the fullest sense, in which the contract extends beyond customary maintenance to matters of garden renewal and development. In other words, it embraces the long-term custody of the garden. That this has been so successfully achieved by Bark Limited over an unbroken contract period now in its ninth year, testifies to the high quality of skill and service that has been consistently applied by the company. This entry amply deserves the supreme award for Garden Management.

Judge’s comment on Bark Ltd’s Supreme Award win at the 2004 Landscape Awards for services to Government House, Wellington.

The Company [Bark Ltd] holds to a high environmental ethic, concentrating on plantings that will thrive naturally and minimising irrigation. Commendably, 95% of health care is organic and mechanical. The standard observed by the judges is in ample keeping with the vice-regal role.

Judge’s comment on Bark Ltd’s Gold Medal win at the 2004 Landscape Awards for Government House Wellington – Large Project Garden Management.