Christchurch City Council Media Release 30 March 2009

Christchurch gardens win Community Pride Awards

The winners of the annual Christchurch Community Garden Pride Awards are being celebrated from today (Monday, 30 March) at a series of events around the city.

The Community Garden Pride Awards recognise the best residential gardens on display in our city streets in an effort to encourage civic pride and acknowledge the contribution of our residents to enhancing the Garden City image.

The awards are distinct from a number of competitive horticultural garden competitions that are held throughout the city in that they are primarily aimed at celebrating local community pride.

Christchurch Beautifying Association members carry out the judging across urban Christchurch in what is an extensive exercise. Members of the association and Christchurch City Council Community Board members are responsible for co-ordinating a number of street and garden awards throughout the city including the Premier Streets, City Gateways and Community Pride Garden Awards.

Christchurch City Council Community Engagement Advisor Roger Cave says the Christchurch Beautifying Association makes an incredible effort every year to get out in the community and select the winners.

“There are hundreds of winners around the city and it’s a nice way of acknowledging the work that our residents put into making ours a wonderful city.”

The Community Pride Awards have been running since 1991, although the format has changed from an entry-based competition to one where every garden in the city is considered from the street by judges.

The chairman of the Streets and Gardens Award Committee, Peter Berry, says that in recent years the number of gardens awarded Community Pride certificates has grown and it is now a very popular event.

“I believe the Community Pride Awards is the greatest singular event that allows the community to contribute to the Garden City image.”

He also paid tribute to the City Council elected members and staff for the part they played.

Judging took place in January and the criteria is based on evidence of efforts around overall tidiness and impact of the garden on the street. Events are being held by each of the city’s Community Boards, where winners will be presented with their certificates.

Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board
Spreydon Ward
Sydenham Heritage Church, corner Colombo Street and Brougham Street, Monday 30 March, 4.30pm.

Heathcote Ward
Cashmere Masonic Centre, 95 Dyers Pass Road, Thursday 2 April, 4.30pm.

Riccarton/Wigram Community Board
Riccarton Ward
Riccarton Park Function Centre, Wednesday 1 April. 4.30pm.

Wigram Ward
Hornby Presbyterian Community Church, 27 Amyes Road, Wednesday 8 April, 4.30pm.

Burwood/Pegasus Community Board
Seaview Christian Centre, 11 Seaview Road, New Brighton, Saturday 4 April, 10.30am.

Shirley/Papanui Community Board
The North City Church, 95 Sawyers Arms Road, Monday 20 April, 7pm.

Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board
The Woolston Club, 45 Hargood Street, Wednesday 22 April, 2pm.

Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board
The Russley Golf Course, 428 Memorial Avenue, Wednesday 22 April, 3.30pm.

ENDS.

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