Christchurch to Again Host Awards!!!

Christchurch to Again Host Awards!!!

Pride In Print is returning to the Garden City this year, with Wigram’s Air Force Museum of New Zealand to host the print industry’s gala event on Friday May 12.

Pride In Print Awards manager Sue Archibald says the Christchurch print sector -- so badly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes -- will very deservedly host what is expected to be a superb show.

“We have all been affected by the so many heart-wrenching stories about what the people of Canterbury had to go through -- with many still facing significant challenges to return their lives to normal,” says Ms Archibald.

“There have also been many touching stories of courage, determination and unbridled generosity -- with members of our industry featuring in many of these.

“Now we have a chance to let those colleagues, their families and their customers take centre stage in our industry’s special celebration.”

Vbase general manager Darren Burden says his team is “thrilled” to add the Awards Night to the growing list of large post-earthquake events the company has hosted and added that attendees would find the venue and rebuilt city “an attractive proposition”.

“The fact Pride In Print is coming back to Christchurch shows their faith in Christchurch, the venue and Vbase,” he says.

“Air Force Museum of New Zealand is set on 37 hectares, has lots of free parking and its location is appealing and easy to get to (between the airport and town). The historical setting of the museum provides a point of interest to the guests.

“Christchurch has also had a raft of iconic, different venues open up in the last few years with more opening each year. With certain aspects of the hospitality industry, for example bars and restaurants, more are open now than there were before the earthquakes.

“Things are well and truly headed in the right direction -- well, better in fact, as Christchurch will be a wonderfully-planned city when it’s finished!”

Orora Cartons operations manager Nigel Harrison is elated Christchurch will be hosting its first Awards Night since 2011.

“Personally I am delighted to see Pride In Print return and I am sure I talk for all South Island printers -- one more step in the healing of our wonderful city,” says the Hornby-based printer.

“Everyone who has lived in Christchurch is passionate about seeing life and normality return to the city.

“I hope all South Island printers jump onboard and support this iconic event making it the success I am sure it will be.”

Adds Pakworld operations manager/company director Jonathan Flett: “Not only will it mean we will be having a party, it will also mean that economic impact benefits will now be spread to Christchurch which is long overdue.

“We as a city are well advanced now in terms of rebuild and we have the capabilities to handle events such as Pride In Pride. The timing is now right -- and we need to do this to show the rest of our industry that we are okay.”

Furthermore, Mr Flett says this year’s Awards will provide an ideal promotional opportunity to collectively “show our wares” to the marketplace.

“It’s important to come to grips with the reality that our industry, whilst shrinking in some sectors and growing in others, is still a very important industry in terms of what we do and who we do it for -- from a brochure to promote other people’s businesses, to a medical label on bottles that provides vital information, to a carton that holds and promotes products.”

Opened as an extension in 2013, the Conference & Events Hall was designed to feature many of the collection’s large objects, according to the Air Force Museum’s Website.

“Due to the pressing need for suitable venues for corporate activity in Christchurch after the 2010/2011 earthquakes, the Air Force Museum Trust Board partnered with Vbase to help market the city, using our new building to meet the demand,” it states.

“The 1500-square-metre conference and events hall offers a blank canvas for trade exhibitions, conferences, gala dinners and functions and can be configured to meet your event requirements.”

Ms Archibald adds that for delegates residing in the city, accommodation offers and transportation would be organised from these hotels to the Awards Night venue, located at 45 Harvard Avenue. “It’s exciting and we are so glad to bring Pride In Print back to Christchurch”

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