NZ going for another gold at Chelsea show

The search is on to find a garden designer in New Zealand who can repeat last year's show-stopping success at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The entry, 100 per cent Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Well-Being, won a gold medal at the show, and a repeat effort is planned for 2006.

The native bush garden, featuring Maori carvings and a misty hot pool, was tied in with Tourism New Zealand's promotion of the country as a holiday destination for Britons.

Chelsea was a "fantastic promotional opportunity" for the country, said Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton.

"It would be fair to say no country has ever made as large an impact as this, but we are looking to do even more with our 2006 entry," he said.

To begin the project, Tourism New Zealand is seeking expressions of interest and design concepts from experienced designers.

Candidates must have the skill to design and build a garden, while leading a project team.

Mr Hickton said he expected the successful designer to travel to this year's Chelsea Flower Show to begin the development process for the new garden.

The design would be submitted to the Royal Horticultural Society for acceptance.

Last year, the Queen visited the New Zealand entry in London, with Mr Hickton showing her round the garden.

- NZPA