Newsletter June 2009

Exhibitors’ evenings begin next month

The first of the exhibitor evenings for the 2010 Ellerslie International Flower Show get underway next month. Interest in next year’s Show is high following the success of this year’s inaugural event which drew an international audience of thousands. Ellerslie 2009 was the best show in many years, if not the 15-year history of Ellerslie, and I look forward to Ellerslie 2010 being even better.

Potential exhibitors for the 2010 Show are invited to attend the first exhibitors’ meeting on Wednesday 1 July at the Canterbury Horticultural Centre from 7pm. Ellerslie Exhibition Manager Kate Hillier will provide all the information exhibitors need to know to make the decision to exhibit and become part of one of the world’s top flower shows.

A number of 2009 exhibitors are already working on finalising their plans for 2010, looking to create even bigger and better displays to wow the crowds. And it looks as if the National Flower Bed Competition, the title of which I’m proud to say Christchurch the Garden City has held since Ellerslie introduced the competition in 2007, could be hotly contested in 2010 with some new initiatives being developed.

The exhibition team is working on a number of other very exciting Show features which I’m sure will make Ellerslie 2010 another outstanding event. I look forward to telling you about these features in coming months as we build up to the 10 March opening for the 2010 Show.

As I mentioned last month, the team have also been working through a series of debrief meetings and this month the public – who have not already commented – get the opportunity to meet with the organisers next week to discuss any concerns, issues or ideas for Ellerslie 2010.

A public feedback drop-in session will be held on Thursday 25 June from 8am to 8pm at The George, 50 Park Terrace.

People are invited to drop-in any time during the 12 hours to share their ideas and views with the organisers. In particular, I encourage those residents and businesses directly affected by the Show’s operation to take this opportunity to provide feedback; the Ellerslie International Flower Show wants to be a good neighbour.

Work has already begun to address the issues of queues and traffic management, along with parking, seating, the Show layout and services. I’m sure visitors to next year’s Show will find a much improved operation.

Regards

BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH