Ellerslie Flower Show Announces Gold Sponsors

MEDIA RELEASE
28 April 2005

ELLERSLIE FLOWER SHOW ANNOUNCES GOLD SPONSORS FOR 2005 EVENT

The Ellerslie Flower Show is delighted to announce that NZ Gardener and the Sunday Star-Times, published by Fairfax New Zealand, have signed as gold sponsors of the 2005 show.

"NZ Gardener and the Sunday Star-Times have been loyal supporters of the Ellerslie Flower Show for many years. We are excited to have the country's leading gardening magazine and New Zealand's most read newspaper* back on board. We share a common vision for the show and we value Fairfax New Zealand's energy and commitment," says Ellerslie Flower Show general manager Pete Cox.

"The Ellerslie Flower Show is an epicentre for sharing stories, ideas and giving expression to the treasures that make up New Zealand's gardening heritage. As the show moves into a second decade, it is this level of sponsorship support that helps secure this important heritage for all New Zealanders," says Mr Cox.

NZ Gardener editor Sarah Beresford says NZ Gardener is delighted to be supporting the Ellerslie Flower Show in 2005. "Not only does Ellerslie showcase some magnificent gardening talent but the show provides us with a platform to connect with our loyal readers," she says.

"Gardening is one of New Zealand's favourite pastimes," says Sunday Star-Times editor Cate Brett. "We are proud of this sponsorship due to its broad appeal and believe that it is an event that champions New Zealand's passion for the outdoors."

Fairfax New Zealand's gold sponsorship of the Ellerslie Flower Show is announced as the show returns to its grass roots in 2005, with a fresh focus on plants and flowers.

New initiatives include a dedicated horticultural marquee designed to showcase the array of plants grown by specialist nurseries, societies and collectors.

"We've already received an excellent response from specialist growers keen to exhibit in our new horticultural marquee and we're also very excited about the progress of the floral marquee," says Mr Cox.

"Visitors who want to see high-quality horticulture are in for a treat at the Ellerslie Flower Show this year."

The 2005 Ellerslie Flower Show will be held at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens in Manukau City from 16-20 November, with an exclusive gala opening on 15 November 2005.

* based on average issue readership of 680,000 people 10 yrs+,*July - December '04 NRS Survey Qualities of Reading Database.

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