Why did Christchurch buy the Ellerslie International Flower Show?
Christchurch is known nationally and internationally as The Garden City - hosting the Ellerslie International Flower Show is the perfect fit.
What benefits can Christchurch expect from the event?
The Ellerslie International Flower Show is expected to attract a growing number of national and international visitors to the city during the shoulder tourism season - highlighting Christchurch as a year-round destination. It is also expected to generate more than $14m annually.
What can visitors expect in the 2012 event?
The next Ellerslie International Flower Show will be filled with colour and plenty more flowers thanks to the Show’s new title rights sponsor Egmont Seed Co, the biggest flower seed company in New Zealand. All the Show’s sponsors are back onboard for 2012.
A lot of the usual exhibitors will be back in 2012 and the same great level of beautiful gardens, information and gardening products will be on offer.
When was the first event held?
The first Christchurch-hosted Ellerslie International Flower Show was held from 11-15 March 2009 in North Hagley Park.
How many days is the Park closed off for this event?
The Park is not closed but rather there is restricted access to the area traditionally occupied by the Garden City SummerTimes events during the four weeks before and three weeks after the event. This is to allow site construction and breakdown after the event.
How does the city manage the traffic challenges this event could create?
A comprehensive traffic management plan, prepared in consultation with local businesses and residents, has been developed for Ellerslie. This forms part of the Resource Consent application and encourages visitors to use public transport and the tram.
Is the entire Park fenced off during the event?
No. The Show occupies a similar area of North Hagley Park to which is used for the Garden City SummerTimes events.
What can I expect before, during and after the event?
About four weeks before the event there is progressive on-site construction, with areas only closed off where there are health and safety risks. During the five days of the show, there is restricted on-site activity from early morning. Following the show, there is on-site remediation programme to prepare the ground for Winter sporting activity.
What are the opening hours of the Show?
The show is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. The opening hours are designed to minimise disruption to daily activity in the area.
What happens with users of the Park?
Regular park users are consulted and alternative arrangements made to ensure they can still pursue their activities.
