Student Florist of the Year Competition

Throughout eight regions of New Zealand 60 competitors tested their floral skills endeavouring to represent their region in the finals to be held in Auckland. As a result the eight regional winners all gathered in Auckland at the end of February hoping to be the one to uplift the grand prize of a three night trip for two to Melbourne to visit the Melbourne Flower Show. Also $500.00 spending money was on offer.

The finalists (all ladies) had three designs to complete over a three hour period before the judges retired to decide the overall winner. The contestants had to wait until the following morning when the winner and place getters were announced during the FloraMax Friday auction. Meanwhile the ladies were dined, wined and accommodated at the Waipuna hotel before being collected after an early morning wake up and delivered back to FloraMax to await the announcement of the place getters. Finally the big moment came and  FloraMax General Manager Andre van der Kwaak announced the place getters as follows.

2nd  Runner up     Ruby Nelson from Dunedin

1st  Runner up     Bronwyn Burnell from Matamata

The Winner         Diane Morrison from Auckland

Diane opted to take her Mum Linda (also a florist) on the trip with her and the accompanying letter gives a glimpse of their impressions.

Click here to read Diane's letter.