Flower & Garden Show postponed to November 2017

Flower & Garden Show postponed to November 2017

• Plans well under way for the Greatest Show in Earth

• New Zealand Flower & Garden Show originally scheduled for November 2016, now moved to 2017

The leadership team for the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show, has elected to postpone the inaugural event and push this back 12 months to November 2017. The decision has been made for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the duty of care required in using the planned exhibition space, generously provided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

“While we are saddened that Aucklanders and other Flower & Garden Show enthusiasts will have to wait another 12 months for what promises to be the Greatest Show in Earth we are excited that we have a longer development period to bring the world’s best garden designers, a coterie of experts and some incredible displays and experiences to life,” says Kate Hiller, Event Director for the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show.

“The Flower & Garden Show is a new and unique event for this historical area of Auckland and upon application we have discovered that the event triggers several clauses in the Reserve Board Act which require a longer application period. Regrettably this will cause a delay that is not tenable for the success of the show this year.”

Once the unforeseen consent issues are solved the Show will put Auckland – and New Zealand – back on the international garden and floral design stage, after a long hiatus. The Show will now run from the 22nd to the 26th of November, 2017 at historic Okahu Bay and Bastion Point.

Multi-award winning garden designer Kate Hillier says, “The New Zealand Flower & Garden Show will be the time for New Zealand’s top gardening and landscape design talent to shine. Visitors will not have seen anything like it with designers’ jaw-dropping creations set to guarantee a visual feast. With more time on our hands to prepare, the show is set to break records.”

Adding to the excitement of the event will be the stunning East Auckland location of Bastion Point/Takaparawhau and Okahu Bay, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour. Lisa Davis, General Manager, Tourism and Events - Ngāti Whātua, speaking on behalf of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei says, “The Iwi is really looking forward to hosting the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show on 20 hectares of our land for the public to enjoy. The marae and the memorial will also be incorporated into the event, giving visitors a glimpse into areas they may not have explored before. The team has been working very closely with us to ensure that the mana of the area is respected and maintained, all while creating an event that inspires people from all cultures and all walks of life.”

“Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and a number of other key stakeholders have been right behind us since we first mooted bringing this show to Auckland, and Ōrākei in particular. Together we are focusing our energies on creating a show that will be a huge drawcard for the city. While we were reluctant to postpone the event, it’s essential that we get it right – to that end we’re all working together on a new date and the best possible infrastructure to support the show,” says Kate Hillier.

For more information - including how to become involved with the show and updates please go to:www.nzflowergardenshow.co.nz

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