Newsletter July 2009

Ellerslie 2010 begins to take shape

The 2010 Ellerslie International Flower Show is beginning to take
shape. A number of exhibition gardens have already been signed
up and organisers are talking to a leading British garden designer
and multiple Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner to create
next year’s show-stopping international feature garden.

A number of this year’s award-winning garden designers will be
back in 2010 vying for the Supreme Award, including this year’s
Supreme Award winner Bush Telly with an exciting new garden
design they are keeping under wraps.

Tertiary students throughout New Zealand are also signing up for
a new emerging designer competition and vying for the title of
Ellerslie International Flower Show Student Designer of the Year,
while the landscaping design industry is working on a North Island
versus South Island garden design competition in which the
gardens will be created on site during the Show. This will be great
for visitors who will be able to watch the gardens evolve over the
five days.

Of course all the old favourites – the Hort Galore Marquee, Floral
Art Marquee, Starlight Marquee and Country Living Marquee - will
be back in 2010 and bigger and better with phenomenal interest
from all these specialist areas.

The series of debrief meetings were completed at the end of last
month, along with the public feedback drop-in session which was
well attended by residents. The majority of people were
impressed with Christchurch’s first Show; they loved the venue,
the exhibits and are looking forward to the Show in 2010. Most
comments related to shortening queues, improved traffic
management, increased on-site seating, better management of
pedestrian flow around the site and more cafes and restaurants.
All feedback has been collated, assessed by the management
team and changes will be implemented where possible to ensure
we create an even better experience in 2010. I would like to
thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the first
Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch; it has been
invaluable in planning for 2010.

Tickets for the 2010 Show go on sale next month; those
who purchase their tickets before 15 February 2010 will
save 20 per cent on the full ticket price. The Early Bird
Special is $28 for a Specific Day ticket or $32 for an Any
Day ticket. These prices rise to $35 and $40 respectively,
after 15 February 2010. There are special senior and group
rates as well.

Specific Day tickets have been introduced to help better
manage the crowds at next year’s Show. There are a
limited number of Any Day tickets available.

The Christchurch residents special is back in September
with tickets the same price as last year - $22 each, limit
four. This special price is for Specific Day tickets only,
residents having to nominate which day they will attend
when they buy. Any Day tickets are also available at $32
but are not part of the residents’ special.

Regards
BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH