Flower show set for spring

By ANNE BESTON

The new owners of the Ellerslie Flower Show have guaranteed that the event will go ahead in November.

They are also promising that it will be bigger and better than before, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Event managers SMC Consortium bought the show last week, beating international rivals IMG for the rights.

The show's former owner, the Rotary Club of Auckland, had put it up for sale, citing lack of sponsorship.

SMC Consortium spokesman Dave Mee said the event's name would not be changed and the organisers would not "compromise on anything horticultural".

The consortium consists of the directors of SMC Group (which runs the ASB Bank schools cultural festival, beach volleyball events and Auckland City's annual teddy bears' picnic), CMH Purdon and Associates and Catalyst Group (which organises the Auckland marathon).

The new owners promise to keep the show at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens for the forseeable future, meaning they will get $100,000 help this year from Manukau City Council.

"We were delighted with the support from Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis, who was determined not to lose this wonderful event," said Mr Mee.

The companies will set up a charitable trust, donating money to charity from profits.

The show will target the under-45 age group by staying open some nights until 10.30.

There will also be more music, possibly with a jazz band, and more facilities for children.

"We're passionate about this event and we won't compromise the quality of the show by too much commercialisation," said Mr Mee.

"We're also launching a new evening ticket, which we expect will be very popular as it means people will be able to go to the show after work and enjoy evening entertainment by the lake, while relaxing with a glass of wine."

The show's chief executive, Cath Handley, said a book was being published this year to mark the 10th anniversary. It would highlight favourite exhibits from previous shows.