Ellerslie Flower Show Sprouts Again Under New Ownership

The Ellerslie Flower Show will sprout again this year with confirmation this evening that new owners had been found for the hugely popular event.

A consortium of event managers has bought the show, with the support of Manukau City Council.

Spokesperson for the consortium Dave Mee said: “We are committed to keeping the show at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens.

“This is a tremendous event for the region and, indeed, New Zealand and we intend to keep the existing format and enhance what is already a world-class event.”

The consortium has many years’ experience in event management, including events such as the ASB Tennis Open, Auckland Marathon, Sport Expo, Volleyball Pro-Tour, and a number of community events like the Teddy Bear’s Picnic and ASB Secondary Schools Cultural Festival.

Mr Mee said the group would continue to provide a charity element to the Ellerslie Flower Show, which was started 10 years ago by the Rotary Club of Auckland.

Two weeks ago, Rotary said it was looking for a new owner after a search for a major new sponsor had proved unsuccessful.

Richard de Lautour, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Auckland Trust Company said that, since the announcement, the Club had been negotiating with a number of prospective buyers. “We chose this group due to their experience and strong community focus.

We also admired their passion for the events they run and their commitment to keeping the Ellerslie Flower Show a local event. We couldn’t have wished for a better result.”

Chief executive of the Ellerslie Flower Show Cath Handley said she was delighted the show had such a dedicated group of new owners.

“This is a fantastic outcome for everyone concerned. The Show stays at its purpose-built site at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens and charities will still benefit, as will all those national and international visitors who were planning to come again this year. It’s a win-win all round.”

Mr Mee said they were in discussions with current sponsors and potential new ones. “We’re getting a lot of support in that area.”

He added that the Rotary Club of Auckland would continue to have an involvement in the event which, combined with the expertise of the show’s staff, would ensure continuity.

“Rotary and the Ellerslie Flower Show staff know the event inside and out. Their previous experience and knowledge of the horticulture industry will be invaluable as we press on with the job of staging a stunning event.”

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