Christchurch Airport – Growing for the Next Generation

February 27 2012

Christchurch Airport – Growing for the Next Generation

As one of the major sponsors of the Ellerslie International Flower Show, Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has developed a flowerbed exhibit depicting the growing airport and its place in the region. Christchurch Airport’s terminal development is nearing completion and is reflected in the company’s flowerbed competition entry.

Designed by Moira and Shaun Craill of LoooP Creative Ltd, in close collaboration with the CIAL team, the flowerbed represents a view of Canterbury from the West Coast, across the Southern Alps to Banks Peninsula, with the airport as the key feature and represented by a distinctive garden sculpture. The exhibit consists of plant material colourfully representing Canterbury features such as the mountains, foothills, the patchwork Plains and Banks Peninsula.

Christchurch International Airport’s Chief Executive Jim Boult says his team has enjoyed the opportunity to develop a flowerbed representing the airport’s position in Canterbury.

“As New Zealand’s tourism gateway, we are well aware our region’s attractiveness lies in its stunning scenery, from the majesty of the Southern Alps to the rolling hills of Banks Peninsula. Our airport takes its character from this influential backdrop, particularly as we develop to meet increasing tourist numbers”, he says.

“We’ve recently unveiled stunning visual displays of the region throughout the interior of the international airport and the opportunity to depict our newly developed airport and its place in the region at the Ellerslie show was an enjoyable challenge”.

Plants within the exhibit have been locally sourced. They include Hebe Canterburiensis, Festuca Banks Peninsula, Marlborough Rock Daisy, Astelia Westerland, West Coast ferns and Sphagnum moss.

Aside from the specifically named plants that surround the exhibit, the staged flowerbed itself includes a colourful display of bedding annuals and edibles. They represent the patchwork plains of Canterbury, the foothills and snowy regions of the Southern Alps and the lush West Coast.

The exhibit includes recognisable features such as Canterbury’s rare braided rivers, airport runways and a sculpture of aircraft coming in to land inspired by the shape of a silver fern.

Mr Boult says the airport is growing to meet the needs of the next generation.

“A major redevelopment is currently underway, as we build a new integrated domestic and international terminal. The final stage is due for completion at the end of this year and is sure to welcome many out of town visitors to next year’s Ellerslie Show”, he says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media