Burst! of Water - Te Wai Pounamu!

Burst! Christchurch's 22nd Festival of Flowers
Friday 11 February – Sunday 6 March 2011

http://www.festivalofflowers.co.nz

Burst!, the Festival of Flowers is over for 2010 and we are already planning next year's event, the theme of which will be water: Burst! of Water - and the Festival will be Bursting! into Te Wai Pounamu (South Island). Please note: 2010 Festival events remain on the website until 2011 events are confirmed.

To view or print our October Festival Newsletter, please CLICK HERE

The Festival of Flowers is known to bring 'firsts' to New Zealand, building on this reputation the Christchurch Garden City Trust is proud to present 'burst! of water' as the 2011 theme.

We are inviting the people of the Garden City, New Zealand and beyond to start the festival New Year off with a bang! The world class 23m plus Floral Carpet in ChristChurch Cathedral - 'Where Streams of Living Water Flow' - will realise the water  theme aesthetically. Simple and beautiful education will be presented through exciting installations, exhibits, panel discussions, key-note speakers and a treat for the whole family – a summer’s movie night in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The 2011 Festival of Flowers will include:

• Water-themed Floral Carpet
• Key-note Speakers &
• Panel Discussion
• Water themed Exhibition
• Water sculpture/s
• Topiary animals featuring a watery wonderland
• Water themed floral displays
• Outdoor movie night in the Christchurch Botanic gardens
• Water is Precious, Children are Precious garden
• A prelude to World Water Day on 22 March

http://www.festivalofflowers.co.nz

Heritage buildings damaged in Earthquake

The big issue for the City is how do we save these older buildings?

“Gung ho” people making instant decisions without thought can lead to the demolition of buildings that could be saved and restored.

Expert engineering advice, conservation architectural advice and heritage management advice are all essential at a time like this.

Yes there is likely to be an economic imperative to get the economy moving again.

People may even see opportunities to reduce the unemployment levels and help the building trades out by suggesting demolition and rebuilding. This however is often a short sighted and economically flawed idea.

Others have the bright idea we can build new modernistic buildings where there are these new spaces.

Irrespective of economic and developmental ideas time is on everyone’s side once a building is made safe.

Businesses can re-establish in a variety of locations, even temporarily. In today’s world with instant communication customers can be advised of new locations.

Let’s take the time to make the right decision about our buildings.

It is not only buildings but bridges, monuments, houses, sites, trees, rivers, streams and other natural and man made features that can be retained, strengthened, conserved and restored.

The benefits of doing this will put us on the world stage as being able and capable of achieving this and rebuilding out city. The skill set developed will be marketable around the world. Visitors will come to see and learn how it is done.

We will have a city which boldly shows off its heritage, (both built and cultural heritage) to the world.