Media Release

Ellerslie Flower Show on track

24 May 2004

The Ellerslie Flower Show is firmly back on this year's calendar with an agreement reached today between the Auckland Regional Council and the show's new owners SMC Consortium.

SMC Consortium and the ARC have agreed licence terms over the use of the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens northern events site, which has been a popular home to the show since 1998.

ARC Parks Director Lance Vervoort says the Council welcomes the new partnership with SMC and the continuation of the show at the Botanic Gardens.

"The Ellerslie Flower Show has become one of Auckland's premier annual events and brings huge economic benefits to Manukau City and the Auckland region," Mr Vervoort says.

"Both the ARC and SMC Consortium have been working day and night to reach agreement as quickly as possible to give this year's show the best possible chance of success."

"We want to continue to work together with SMC, Manukau City and all other parties involved to make Ellerslie Flower Show's 10th anniversary show the best show yet, and to grow the show in the future."

SMC Consortium director Dave Mee says his organisation is committed to developing the show on the Botanic Gardens site long-term.

"Our vision is for the Ellerslie Flower Show to be internationally regarded as one of the top flower shows in the world and to positively shape lifestyle decisions in New Zealand," Mr Mee says.

"The show will be run by a charitable trust which is committed to providing returns to the community. The trust will also put resources back into continually improving the show."

He says SMC is already developing a positive relationship with the representatives of the horticulture and landscape design industries who will be crucial to the success of future shows.

This year's show is scheduled for November 24 * 28.

ENDS

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