The Auckland Flower Show,
taking place at Alexandra Park November 20-23, has received
major backing from public and industry bodies.
Auckland City Council, the Newmarket Business Association,
and the gardening industry's representative body, have all
signalled their commitment to the success of the flower
show at Alexandra Park.
"The venue is ideal for the event as it is easily accessible
to national and international visitors, as well as Aucklanders,"
says Auckland City Mayor John Banks. "We're looking
forward to assisting in a successful endeavour for the benefit
of Auckland and New Zealand.
The Nursery & Garden Industry Association endorses the
event as a showcase of ideas for the gardening public. President
Peter Fraser says the central location of Alexandra Park
presents a great opportunity for both visitors and exhibitors.
"The venue is convenient for the public, and it will
be able to cater for a wide range of quality exhibits. We
fully support this event which promotes the gardening and
horticulture industries to a large audience in Auckland."
Mr Fraser also endorses the focus on environmental standards.
Organisers have established guidelines for sustainability
that will apply to all facets of the event's operations.
Exhibitors will also be encouraged to integrate sustainability
principles into garden designs.
This trend is in line with designs about to be revealed
at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, which commences in London
on 20 May. According to a preview in The Guardian newspaper,
some Chelsea designers plan to show that it is possible
to create a garden that is beautiful and sustainable, using
'ingredients' such as reclaimed timber and locally quarried
stone, and including native hedging and trees to attract
wildlife. Many gardens will also include a system to recycle
rainwater.
The Newmarket Business Association is also looking to Chelsea
for ideas on how to work in with a significant event on
the shopping district's doorstep, according to general manager
Cameron Brewer. "We're looking at what the shopping
area close to the Chelsea Flower Show does, and whether
we can do anything similar. One idea could be to encourage
retailers to create beautiful floral displays in their shop
windows. One thing's for sure, we want to link Newmarket
in with this event and hence we're delighted that a flower
show of this calibre has returned to central Auckland." |