Auckland is to get a major new annual event starting March 2003. The Autumn Home Show will join the stable of five home
shows run throughout New Zealand by dmg world media, including the biggest of its type in the country, the Auckland Home
Show, held in September each year. Expected to attract around 15,000 visitors to this first event, the show will be a
first in that it will focus on practical activities woodworking, sewing and stitching, and art and antiques as well as
the more usual home show exhibits and demonstrations.
“Research has indicated that there is a big demand for this type of more specialised event,” says dmg’s group manager
for consumer shows, Richard Bews. “Our association with dmg in Australia and the UK means we can take the best elements
of the successful Timber and Working with Wood, Sewing Stitching and Handcraft, and Arts and Antiques events run in
these countries and incorporate them into a unique New Zealand event.
“New Zealanders are very practical people, and also have a very strong interest in home renovation, art and
collectables, and handcraft skills. The Autumn Home Show will be four events under one umbrella. Those interested in
just one area, such as woodcraft, will be able to attend seminars, workshops and demonstrations and see the latest
equipment and products available without having to visit exhibits that are not of interest to them. It will be laid out
to keep each area separate yet close – in the same way a department store is laid out.”
Richard Bews says the event will have something for everyone with, for example, the definition of art being “wide open”.
“It will be more than a collection of paintings. We’re creating an on-site gallery with café and wine bar so people can
enjoy a drink and wander around at leisure and have a look at sculptures, ceramics, glassworks, paintings and much more.
This show is for the ordinary Kiwi and not just the rich who can afford a Goldie or two.
“Seminars and workshops will be a major feature, particularly in the Timber and Working with Wood and Sewing Stitching
and Handcraft areas. We’ve already arranged for some of the top Australian woodcraft and other presenters to come to
this event, and are working with a number of New Zealanders as well. The same effort is going into creating a star
programme for the other facets of the Autumn Home Show with the aim of making this the must-attend annual event for all
New Zealanders interested in the practical side of home renovation, art and handcrafts.
“Interest from companies wishing to be involved is very strong, and many businesses who are part of the Australian
events have expressed an interest in being part of the Autumn Home Show as well.”
The timing of the event has also been carefully planned to give visitors excellent buying opportunities.
“The dates are right at the end of the financial year, and we expect many participating companies to be offering very
good show-only specials as well as quality displays and demonstrations. There will be four halls filled with more than
200 exhibitors, and special interest areas including home heating as well as a marketplace with a huge range of products
on show and in demonstration.
“This is a very exciting new event for New Zealand, and one that fills a gap for the large numbers of Kiwis who are into
handcrafts, art, antiques and all things practical for the home.”
dmg world media organises more than 260 of the world’s biggest trade and public shows, including more than 40 antiques
and collectors fairs in the UK and Timber and Working with Wood shows in all six of Australia’s biggest cities.
The Autumn Home Show will be held over three days, 28 to 30 March, 2003 at the Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane. It is a
public event, with a small charge for entry.
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