Auckland Flower Show Awards

To: Lorraine Usher, Auckland Area President of the Floral Art Society,  to Jenny Pullar, Co-ordinator of the Auckland Flower Show,  to Distinguished Guests,  to Ladies and Gentlemen,  Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni, (sign) and Greetings,  in all the languages of the Realm of New Zealand.

Friends of floral art I am delighted to join you today in this wonderful floral abundance and ambience.  It is my honour to be the Patron of the Floral Art Society of New Zealand.

In June of this year Isabel Innes and Jacki Miliner represented the Society at a reception at Government House Auckland for all the organisations that have vice-regal patronage.

Floral art is a wonderful way of valuing nature and then of making something that is uniquely expressive.  This is the leading edge of floral art in our country.

Interestingly, many Aucklanders are active in the Floral Art Society.  Out of the society's membership more than a third comes from Auckland.  Creativity is something that Auckland seems to be bursting with.  For me, art of a floral kind is a link with mother nature, almost to my childhood when I was first curious in a real and intense way.  My early life was in Sydney and the smell of eucalypts still makes me giddy with half-remembered scenes.  I feel sure many of you have similar relationships with plants.

"Dancing with the Flowers" is an innovative theme and the entrants in the various categories have interpreted the titles they were given originally.

The impos design section in which artists put their designs together not only on the spot, but also while being watched by the public would require a special confidence.

We have recently been in the South Island and were bowled over by the rhodedendrons and roses.  The seasonal variance of gardens is part of the challenge.  In the beautiful grounds of the Auckland and Wellington houses I often crave to create something out of the flora and fungi.

I admire the lateral thinking, perceptiveness, knowledge and practicality of the artists who have competed and inspired us this year.

I applaud those who have worked to set up the competition so that the brilliance is apparent.

I acknowledge the fellowship and support given between members of this special organisation.

I hope that you and I can inspire others to enjoy and grow in the same way as we have through the Floral Art Society.

No reira, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.