News release from The Auckland Flower Show
20 May 2008

Auckland Flower Show receives major backing

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."

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