Newsletter May 2008

Tickets on sale in July for Christchurch’s first Ellerslie International Flower Show

Tickets for the first Christchurch-hosted Ellerslie International Flower Show go on sale in July. Interest in tickets sales from throughout New Zealand and internationally has been so high, the early release enabling people to begin planning their trip to Christchurch in March 2009 for this prestigious garden show.

Those who purchase their tickets before 15 February 2009 will make a 20% savings on the full ticket price. The Early Bird Special is $28, with ticket prices after 15 February 2009 being $35. There will be a special senior citizens prices of $24 and group discounts for 20 or more of $22 before 15 February.

With the City Council having purchased the Show, Christchurch ratepayers and residents will be offered a special price ticket price of $22. This will be available for a limited time. Details on this special offer will be available in July.

The Ellerslie International Flower Show will celebrate Christchurch’s Garden City image and with the planned comprehensive inner city beautification programme, residents and visitors to the city will be treated to an unequalled floral extravaganza.

Two public information opens days are being held next month for residents, businesses and property owners located in close proximity of the Show to learn more about the Show and address any of their concerns before the resource consent application is lodged at the end of June. The resource consent will be notified.

Residents will be able to view the proposed site plan for the show, discuss any concerns relating to site access and traffic management, access information regarding on-site construction timetables, learn about the resource consent process, meet with show organisers and most importantly ask questions.

These public information days will be held in the Parkview Room, the George, 50 Park Terrace, from 11am to 8pm on Wednesday 11 June and Thursday 12 June.

A special feature of the 14th Ellerslie International Flower Show will be a Taste of the South. This will be an opportunity for the South Island to showcase to a global audience the best each region has to offer in food and wine.

Specialty foods – cheeses, dried meats, seafood, fruit and other treats – along with the best wines from each region will be available for tasting and visitors will be able to grab a basket, create their own picnic, and weather permitting, sit under the trees and enjoy lunch soaking up the atmosphere of the event. This will be a real harvest celebration.

Another feature of the Show will be sustainability. The Ellerslie International Flower Show will challenge everyone to think about the legacy they leave on this earth and to take individual responsibility for restoring and preserving the environment for future generations. The City Council is doing a lot to create a sustainable future and this work will be featured along with other sustainability initiatives.

Christchurch is definitely shaping up as the place to be in March 2009.

Regards

BOB PARKER
MAYOR OF CHRISTCHURCH