Media release

Patron Announced for Hamilton Gardens Development Trust

EMBARGOED UNTIL
3 DECEMBER 2015

Hamilton Gardens Development Trust is delighted to announce that Sir Michael Hill has accepted the role as the Trust’s Patron.

The appointment was formally announced last night (Wednesday, 2 December 2015) during a private funding function at Hamilton Gardens.

Sir Michael Hill is an iconic New Zealander. He is also a very keen gardener and has developed the Hills Golf Club, which includes their private residence, into a fabulous landscaped estate spread over more than 400 acres. Sir Michael is also passionate about sculpture and is intrigued by the intersection of flora and sculpture.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker says it is great news that the Development Trust will have Sir Michael as a new patron.

“Sir Michael is a true entrepreneur and his journey to becoming internationally recognised as that started in 1979, the same year the Gardens launched its unique design concept,” she says. “Sir Michael is well known for his love of gardens and we are thrilled to have him connected to our world-class status Hamilton Gardens in this new role.”

In 1979 Sir Michael opened his first jewellery store in Whangarei which has since expanded to more than 300 international stores. At the same time, Hamilton Gardens began telling the Story of Gardens through themed garden collections.

Today, the Gardens is embarking on an ambitious project to create four new gardens in four years. More than 80 per cent of the $7.03 million development project target has been achieved through Hamilton residential targeted rates, Lottery funding, sponsorship and donations.

The four gardens are under construction and include the Concept, Surrealist, Mansfield and Picturesque Garden. Additional courtyards and infrastructure are included in the development project.

The Hamilton Gardens Development Trust was formed in 2008 and has been involved in raising funds for development at the Hamilton Gardens. The Trust sees it role as spearheading the community’s involvement in funding the development of the Gardens in partnership with Hamilton City Council. The Trust is about to embark on a fundraising project to raise $500,000 towards the completion of the additional four themed gardens and associated infrastructure.

Sir Miles Warren will remain the Trust’s founding Patron.

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