Our History

The history of the Floral Art Society of New Zealand.

History through the Decades

In December 1964 the Wellington Floral Art Club met with the Lower Hutt Flower Arrangement Group for a Christmas luncheon. From this social function, our co-founders Mrs Eleanor Dobbs of Wellington and Mrs Gean Kerr of Lower Hutt convened many meetings with the idea of unifying flower arrangement groups throughout the Wellington province and eventually New Zealand.

Since that time milestones have included the following:

1965 First meeting held in Levin. Chairman Mrs Eleanor Dobbs. A Constitution, Incorporation and a Panel of Judges were formed, with plans to produce a diary. A floral newsletter was published. This was regarded as a service to members. Tragedy struck when a bus carrying members of the Horowhenua Floral Art and Garden Club to the meeting, crashed at Rata killing six women and injuring many others.

1966 First FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington with 32 groups and pending affiliations from Auckland to Southland. Attendees stayed at the YMCA, local hostels and in private homes. Four Areas were formed, the first diary published by Editor Eleanor Dobbs and first examinations were held. The first FASNZ Floral Art Handbook Flowers for Show was published, in conjunction with the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (RNZIH). Her Excellency, Lady Laura Fergusson, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron.

1967 FASNZ Inc AGM held in Wellington. 56 affiliated groups. Members’ badges were designed, the first Judges’ Forum held and the first FASNZ magazine Bulletin was issued. A Festival of Flowers was held at St Augustine’s Church, Petone. Mrs Mary Badham Kittel of USA toured - six demonstrations.

1968 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. Mr Howard Plank of New Zealand, living in Sydney, toured - 65 workshops, 24 advanced classes and 12 demonstrations. A Photographic Library commenced and Councillors’ travelling expenses were first subsidised.

1969 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Lower Hutt. 78 Clubs totalling over 3000 members. Judges’ and Stewards’ courses were held. Her Excellency, Lady Kathleen Porritt, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron.

1970 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington, incorporated the first National Exhibition ‘Voyage of Discovery’ to commemorate the bicentenary of Captain Cook’s landing.

A dinner and an extra Forum day were added to the AGM. Mrs Adele Gotobed of England toured - 12 demonstrations and workshops.

1971 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. Nine Areas were formed and FASNZ Inc. was headquartered in the South Island for first time. A Floral Accessories service was established.

1972 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. Mrs Mary Howard (d. 1972) and Mrs Eleanor Dobbs (d. 1994) were elected Life Members. A Travel Fund was created to subsidise club delegates to the AGM. A Lecturers’ Panel was formed and six Areas held Judges’ courses and examinations. A Southern Forum was held in Oamaru.

1973 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. Mrs Marion Aaronson of Wales toured - four demonstrations. The first Teachers’ courses and examinations were held. The Floral Art Handbook ‘Flowers for Show’ was revised (RNZIH).

1974 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. 100 affiliated Clubs with 3500 members. The first list of qualified Judges, Teachers and Demonstrators was published. Mr Maurice August of New Zealand, living in Sydney, returned to New Zealand giving workshops and flamboyant, colour co-ordinated demonstrations. Her Excellency, Lady June Blundell, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc Patron.

1975 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. The second National Exhibition ‘FASTA’, was held in Lower Hutt. The 10th Anniversary celebration included a period pageant ‘Time Remembered’. Mrs Enid Galvin (d. 1979) was elected Life Member.

1976 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. Mrs Gean Kerr (d. 2002) was elected Life Member. The Judges’ and Teachers’ Education Panel was formed after a meeting of the Executive of FASNZ and members of the Committee of the Judges’ and Teachers’ Association. Mr Howard Plank of Sydney (ex New Zealand) conducted an extensive tour with demonstrations and workshops over a five-month period.

1977 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. A Judges’ and Teachers’ Seminar was held at Massey University. Mr George Smith of England toured - six demonstrations and workshops. Notelets were produced for sale to members.

1978 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. A Judges’ and Teachers’ Seminar was held at Lincoln College, Christchurch. A National Teachers’ examination was held in Auckland. President Mrs Pat Howard attended the first International Competition of the Garden Club of Toronto’s Show, in Canada.

Advanced flower arrangers’ courses were held in Christchurch and Palmerston North. Her Excellency, Lady Norma Holyoake, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron.

1979 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. Thirteen Areas were represented. A series of notelets was produced. Mr Lim Bian Yam of Malaysia toured - six demonstrations and workshops. Mrs Grace Taylor (d. 1979) was elected Life Member.

1980 FASNZ Inc. AGM ‘Capers’ held in Wellington in May. The third National Exhibition ‘Design ‘80’ was held in Rotorua in November, with accompanying demonstrations and Allied arts’ Exhibition. Christmas cards and a recipe book ‘Dash of Difference’ was produced. The Floral Art Handbook ‘Flowers for Show’ was revised (RNZIH). A summer Seminar was held in Oamaru. A Judges’ and Teachers’ Seminar was held at Massey. National Judges’ examinations were held in Auckland and Hawkes Bay. President Mrs Barbara Cave exhibited in the second International Competition of the Garden Club of Toronto’s Show, in Canada.

1981 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. President Mrs Jennie Monro attended the inaugural meeting of the World Association of Flower Arrangers in London and New Zealand became a founder member.

1982 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Wellington. A National Demonstrators’ Pilot Course was held in Lower Hutt in July. A Judges’ and Teachers’ Seminar was held in Christchurch. The Education Committee formatted a Unit Course Syllabus. Council approved this and Lecturers were appointed. Mr Graeme Audrain of Jersey toured - eight demonstrations and workshops. Mrs Margaret Morriss attended the inaugural World Association of Flower Arrangers’ Seminar in Dyffryn Wales, as the FASNZ representative. Mrs Muriel De Stefano and Mrs Lyn Amos staged individual designs in Westminster Abbey. Her Excellency, Lady Norma Beattie, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron.

1983 FASNZ Inc. AGM held in Palmerston North - first time away from Wellington. The Education Unit system commenced and the Unit course syllabus was distributed to Club Secretaries and Lecturers.

1984 FASNZ Inc. AGM, with the addition of the first live-in Conference, held in Wellington. Mrs Joan Owen of England toured – four demonstrations and four seminars for the Judges’ and Teachers’ President Mrs Shirley Frater attended the World Association of Flower Arrangers’ Congress and inaugural World Flower Show (WAFA) ‘All the World’s a Stage’ in Bath, England as the FASNZ Inc. Delegate, demonstrating and staging the New Zealand exhibit. Mrs Margaret Morris was invited on the WAFA Judging Panel.

1985 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Nelson in May. The fourth National Exhibition ‘Flowers Alive ‘85’ and a demonstration by Mr Richard Je. Examinations were held in Auckland and Wanganui.

1986 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference, ‘Maid of the Meadow’, celebrating the 21st year of FASNZ Inc., was held in New Plymouth. The FASNZ floral magazine was renamed ‘Floral Focus’ to acknowledge the 21st Anniversary of FASNZ. A Judges’ and Teachers’ seminar was held in Otaki, a National Judges’ examination held in Palmerston North and a National Teachers’ examination held in Wellington. Her Excellency, Lady Beverley Reeves, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron. Mrs Mollie Murchie received the Queen’s Service Medal.

1987 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Gurus’ held at Waikato University. FASNZ Inc. became a founder member of the Amateur Arts’ Assembly. Creativity weekend seminars were held throughout New Zealand. A National Judges’ examination was held in Palmerston North and a National Teachers’ examination in Wellington. The inaugural full-colour diary and video were produced. The Judges and Teachers newsletter became a bi-annual magazine called ‘From Jasmine to Tallstalks’. The second WAFA world show was held in Brussels, Belgium.

1988 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Our Natural Resources’ held in Invercargill. Mrs Barbara Cave (d. 1996) and Mrs Muriel De Stefano (d 2007). were elected Life Members. Judges’ and Teachers’ Seminar was held at Lincoln College. Mrs Paola Burger and Mrs Loli Marsano of Genoa, Italy toured in March - six demonstrations and six two-day seminars.

1989 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Wanganui incorporated the first National Demonstrators’ Examination. Mr Gregor Lersch of Germany toured – six demonstrations and five seminars. National Teachers’ examinations were held in Gore and Christchurch. The Certificate of Practical Design was established. The first edition of the FASNZ Inc. reference book Flair was published, with financial assistance from the Hillary Commission for Recreation and Sport.

1990 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Auckland incorporated the fifth National Exhibition ‘Spectrum’. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, officially opened the Exhibition. Mr Derek Bridges of England presented two demonstrations at the Exhibition. Her Excellency, Dame Catherine Tizard, ONZ GCMG GCVO DBE QSO DstJ, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron (the first Governor- General to do so – this position had previously been the preserve of the wife of the Governor- General).

The Education Committee compiled a Procedures Manual for Units and five training sessions were held throughout New Zealand. President Mrs Cheril Traill (d.1994) and President Elect Mrs Elaine Herbert attended the third WAFA World Show ‘Art Floral Festival Mondial’ in Paris, as FASNZ Inc. delegates. Vice-President Mrs Marie Fitzgibbon (d. 2004) attended as Official Observer. Mrs Maureen van der Heyden staged the New Zealand Exhibit. Mrs Lyn Amos represented New Zealand in the International Demonstration. Mrs Cheril Traill and Mrs Mary Mackay were each awarded the 1990 New Zealand Commemoration Medal.

1991 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Town and Gown’ held in Dunedin,
incorporated the second National Demonstrators’ examination. Mrs Lyn Amos was awarded a citation from FASNZ Inc. in recognition of her national and international floral art achievements. Mrs Pamela South of England toured - three workshops and three seminars for experienced designers, in both the North and South Islands. Mrs Margaret Morriss attended the WAFA Seminar in Ontario Canada and staged the New Zealand exhibit.

1992 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Thermal Tapestry’ held in Rotorua. Mrs Althea Higham, South Africa toured - five demonstrations and six workshops. The Education Committee distributed the Procedures Manual for Units to all Lecturers. A National Judges’ examination was held in Dunedin and a National Teachers’ examination in Palmerston North. Mrs Elaine Herbert was elected President of the WAFA New Zealand Committee, in readiness for the transfer of the WAFA Headquarters to New Zealand for the period 1993-1996.

1993 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Absolutely Positively Wellington’ held in Wellington. Mrs Marie Fitzgibbon was elected Life Member. A ‘Floral Art Awareness’ week was held in conjunction with a membership drive. The Judges and Teachers newsletter was renamed ‘Education Echoes’ and became a magazine. President Mrs Margaret Morriss and Past-President Mrs Elaine Herbert attended the fourth WAFA Show ‘A Mari Usque ad Mare’ (From Sea to Sea) in Toronto, Canada as FASNZ Inc. delegates and staged the New Zealand Exhibit. FASNZ Inc. Vice-President Mrs Anne Mackay attended as Official Observer. Mmes Robyn Higgins, Colleen Fernie, Lorraine McMillan, Cheril Traill, Mary Mackay and Shirley Kittow of the WAFA New Zealand committee attended as Observers. Mrs Margaret Morris and Mrs Mary McKay were invited on the WAFA Judging Panel. The WAFA headquarters were transferred to New Zealand for a three-year tenure.

1994 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Christchurch. Mmes Olga Meneur and Annie Calliau of France toured - four workshops in the North Island and three in the South Island. WAFA administration seminars ‘Landfall in Unknown Seas’ were held in Auckland, Rotorua (with a stop en-route Wellington to inspect WAFA Show venues) and Christchurch. A National Judges’ examination was held in New Plymouth and a National Teachers’ examination in Auckland. The Judges’ and Teachers’ Association was renamed the Academy of Floral Design. The FASNZ Inc. Constitution was re-written and printed.

1995 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Palmerston North incorporated a celebration of the 30th anniversary of FASNZ Inc. and the inaugural National Designer of the Year competition. Designer of the Year winner was Mrs Geraldine Bathurst, Auckland. A National Teachers’ examination was held. President Mrs Shirley Kittow attended the inaugural National Australian Show. Mr Maurice August of New Zealand, living in Sydney toured on behalf of the Academy of Floral Design – one seminar in each Island.

1996 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Napier in June. The fifth WAFA Show ‘Trust Bank FloraNZa’ was held in Wellington in April, in conjunction with the sixth FASNZ Inc. National Exhibition ‘Gift of the Southern Gods’. The first FASNZ Inc. book ‘Influences’ was printed, showcasing 79 designs. Mmes Heather Hammond, Patricia Proctor, Margaret Wilkin and Mr Maurice August of Sydney presented Floral Theatres. A National Demonstrators’ examination and a National Teachers’ examination were held in Whakatane. President Mrs Shirley Kittow and Vice-President Mrs Anne Mackay attended as FASNZ Inc. Delegates and Education Committee Chairman Mrs Paula Wilson, Official Observer. Mrs Shirley Kittow and Mrs Paula Wilson staged the New Zealand Exhibit. Mrs Anne Mackay was invited on the WAFA Judges’ Panel and Mmes Maureen Van der Heyden, Patricia Proctor, Joyce Warnock, Margaret Ashley, Lynne Gray, Heather Hammond and Elva Hegh as New Zealand Invited Judges. ‘Best in Show’ was awarded to New Zealand member Lynda Leary. The Governor General, His Excellency, The Right Honourable Sir Michael Hardie Boys, GNZM GCMG QSO KstJ, kindly accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron. Mrs Maureen van der Heyden (d. 2005) received the Queen’s Service Medal.

1997 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Nautical Nonsense’ held in Waitangi. Mrs Mary Mackay was elected Life Member. The Academy of Floral Design voted to separate administration from the FASNZ Inc. Education Committee. A National Teachers’ examination was held. A revised edition of the FASNZ Inc. reference book ‘Flair’ was published. Storage of the FASNZ Inc. records, in a secure facility in Wellington, commenced. The FASNZ Inc. website www.fasnz.org.nz was launched. Mmes Elaine Herbert, Margaret Morriss, Heather Hammond, Marie Fitzgibbon, Margaret Fox, Elizabeth König, Jennie Monro, Robyn Higgins and Anne Mackay attended the WAFA Seminar ‘Floral Safari’ in South Africa. Three floral art members received honours – Mrs Elaine Herbert was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Mrs Noma Shepherd a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit and Mrs Mary Mackay received the Queen’s Service Medal.

1998 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Harvest of the Arts’ held in Nelson, incorporated the second National Designer of the Year. Designer of the Year winner was Mrs Geraldine Bathurst, Auckland. Mr Charles Kinnear of South Africa toured - five floral theatre demonstrations and seven workshops. A National Judges’ examination was held in Hamilton. Outpost Membership of FASNZ Inc., aimed toward isolated members within New Zealand and interested people around the world, was formed. Correspondence courses were introduced for Stewarding and Scheduling and Plant Knowledge Units.

1999 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘A Right Royal Time’ held in Timaru. Mr Michael Bowyer of England toured - four demonstrations, six workshops and an Academy refresher course. The name ‘FloravisioNZ’ was registered as the name for future National Exhibitions. President Mrs Byrta Wagstaff and Immediate Past President Mrs Anne Mackay attended the sixth WAFA show ‘Dreaming of Africa’ in Durban South Africa, as FASNZ Inc. Delegates, with Education Committee Chairman Mrs Heather Hammond the Official Observer. Mrs Margaret Wilkin represented New Zealand in the International Demonstration and Mrs Rhonda Hall designed the New Zealand exhibit. Mrs Anne Mackay was invited on the Awards Judging Panel and Mrs Heather Hammond on the WAFA Judging Panel. Mrs Shirley Frater received the Queen’s Service Medal.

2000 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Colonial Days New Millennium 2000’ held in Gisborne in May. An Academy of Floral Design refresher course was held prior to the AGM. The seventh National Exhibition ‘FloravisioNZ 2000’ was held in Christchurch in November. Classes for competitive work were included for the first time. Mrs Alison Bradley of Scotland presented two Floral Theatre demonstrations at this event. President Mrs Byrta Wagstaff, Vice President Mrs Jean Ward and Mrs Anne Mackay attended the WAFA Seminar ‘Our Kingdom’s Heritage’ in the UK. Mrs Byrta Wagstaff staged the New Zealand exhibit Montage, designed by Mrs Lois Morrow. The Academy magazine was renamed ‘Floral Leader’.

2001 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Music and Fun’ held in Tauranga, incorporated the third National Designer of the Year and in conjunction with the first Lecturers’ Symposium conducted by the Education Committee. Designer of the Year winner was Mrs Anne James, Manawatu. Her Excellency, the Hon. Dame Silvia Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE, QSO DstJ, Governor General of New Zealand, accepted the position of Patron. A National Teachers’ examination was held in Hamilton. Ms Carla Barbaglia of Italy conducted a refresher course for the Academy of Floral Design members, in Rotorua. A new marking criteria was introduced for the Certificate of Practical Design. The first horizontal diary was published.

2002 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Alpine Escape’ held in Queenstown where Mr Bart Hassam of Australia, assisted by Ms Shauna Larsen of Australia, presented a demonstration. President Mrs Jean Ward and Vice-President Mrs Jenny Harris, attended the seventh WAFA show ‘Floramondi’ held in Glasgow as FASNZ Inc. delegates, with FASNZ Treasurer Mrs Lois Montgomery and Mrs Anne Mackay as Official Observers. Mrs Heather Hammond represented New Zealand in the International Demonstration and Mrs Jean Ward designed the New Zealand exhibit. Mrs Anne Mackay was invited on the Awards Judging Panel and Mmes Margaret Ashley, Lynne Gray and Margaret Holmes were invited on the WAFA Judging Panel. Mrs Anna Garabaldi-Balestra of Italy toured - eight workshops throughout New Zealand.

2003 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Mountain Mystique’ held in New Plymouth, with Patron Dame Silvia Cartwright PCNZM, DBE, QSO DstJ, in attendance at the opening. Mr Richard Go of Australia was the demonstrator and motivational speaker for FASNZ Inc. and conducted a refresher course for the Academy of Floral Design. The Academy magazine was renamed Academy Express. Vice President Mrs Margaret Wilkin and Mmes Lois Morrow, Lynda Leary, Marilyn Page, Robyn Higgins and Anne Mackay attended the WAFA Seminar ‘A World of Beautiful Leaves’ in Japan. Mrs Margaret Morriss was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and Mrs Ynys Fraser received the Queen’s Service Medal.

2004 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Valley of the Rings’ held in Lower Hutt, incorporated the fourth National Designer of the Year and two ‘Trends and Techniques’ sessions by Mrs Rhonda Hall and Mrs Rae Baxter of New Zealand. Designer of the Year winner was Mrs Glenis Bealing, Manawatu. A Teaching Symposium, organised by the Education Committee, was held prior to the AGM. The Education Unit System was revised, including the Procedures Manual and Unit System Guidelines. Mr Craig Bullock of England, hosted by Auckland Area, conducted an Academy of Floral Design refresher course. The Academy magazine was renamed ‘Academy Leader’.

2005 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Hamilton, incorporated the eighth National Exhibition, ‘FloravisioNZ 2005’ and ‘Trends and Techniques’ demonstrations by Mrs Rhonda Hall of New Zealand and Mr Greg Block and Mr Richard Go of Australia. Mrs Margaret Ashley was elected Life Member. A horizontal diary was printed, the Floral Focus magazine increased to A4 size and a second design book ‘Expressions’ was published, in acknowledgement of the 40th Anniversary of FASNZ Inc. President Mrs Margaret Wilkin and Immediate Past-President Mrs Jenny Harris attended the eighth WAFA show ‘Harmony’ held in Japan as FASNZ Inc. delegates, with FASNZ Treasurer Mrs Lois Montgomery as Official Observer. Mrs Lois Montgomery designed the New Zealand exhibit. Mrs Anne Mackay was invited on the Awards Judging Panel and Mrs Margaret Wilkin on the WAFA Judging Panel.

2006 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Outside the Square’ held in Christchurch. A Second Lecturers’ Symposium was held prior to the AGM. The inaugural award of the Muriel De Stefano Trophy for Diligence and Dedication to Floral Art was awarded to Mrs Heather Hammond, Otorohanga. The new FASNZ Inc. logo was approved at the AGM. Mr Mark Pampling of Australia toured - two teaching demonstrations and eight workshops, in four centres through the country. Her Excellency, Lady Susan Satyanand, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron.

2007 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘007 Design to Die For’ held in Auckland, incorporated the fifth National Designer of the Year. Designer of the Year winner was Mrs Dorothy Turner, Waikato. Mr Tomoki Uchiyama of Japan presented one theatre and one teaching demonstration. The fourth National Demonstrators’ examination was held in Levin. Mrs Janet Rowe, New Plymouth was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. A revised edition of the FASNZ Inc. reference book Flair was published. Mrs Robyn Higgins received the Queen’s Service Medal.

2008 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Simply the Best’ held in Hastings, showcased an Exhibition of Design Styles and Techniques, staged by members of the Academy of Floral Design. Anna Robertson presented a demonstration and Mrs Margaret Wilkin a Floral Theatre ‘Renaissance’. In addition, ‘Designfest’ a tour of eight of Hastings’ finest homes, plus the Napier Cathedral were exquisitely decorated by members from throughout New Zealand. Mrs Joyce Warnock, Palmerston North was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. The ninth WAFA World Show to be held in Pakistan was cancelled due to political unrest. Representing New Zealand, Mrs Ruth Orange competed at the ninth Annual Flower Show in Toronto.

2009 FASNZ Inc AGM and Conference ‘Art Beat Aoraki’ held in Timaru, incorporated six exhibition classes and eight workshops. Mrs Irene Brockwell presented a demonstration and conducted an advanced workshop for Academy members. An Education Forum with Mmes Irene Brockwell of Australia and Heather Hammond and Rhonda Hall of New Zealand was held. Mrs Doris Bollschweiler, Kaitaia was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. An Academy of Floral Design photographic booklet ‘Styles of Design and Techniques’, with photography by Mrs Heather Hammond and Mrs Dorothy Turner Waikato, was published. Mmes Anne Mackay, Nancy Murphy, Marilyn Page, Lois Montgomery, Val Cocks, Dawn Davenport, Lynda Leary and Robyn Higgins attended the WAFA Seminar ‘Excursion Botanicus’ in Chicago USA as New Zealand participants. Mrs Lois Montgomery staged the New Zealand exhibit designed by Mrs Shirley Frater.

2010 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Down by the Riverside’ held in Wanganui, celebrated the 45th Anniversary of FASNZ Inc. and incorporated the ninth National Exhibition ‘FloravisioNZ 2010’ and the sixth National Designer of the Year. Designer of the Year Winner was Mrs Ivy Wright, Northland. An Exhibition and designs from six competitive classes and seven workshops, were displayed. The fifth National Demonstrators’ examination was held in conjunction with the AGM. Mrs Merle Snell, Hamilton was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. A Stage Production Symposium was held in Wanganui in January. Mme Marie-Françoise Déprez France, assisted by Ms Nathalie Jacques, toured – one demonstration in Tauranga, workshops throughout New Zealand and two refresher courses for Academy. Mrs Elizabeth Chapman, representing New Zealand at Canada Blooms Toronto, won a Silver medal.

2011 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ held in Taupo incorporated an Exhibition, one competitive class, six exhibition classes, thirteen workshops and an Education Forum for all members. Sumie Ishikawa of Japan presented two demonstrations ‘Wild Inspirations from Asia’ and an advanced workshop. Mrs Lilian Phelps, Gisborne was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. The Procedures Manual was revised. The twenty-second and last floral carpet, was staged in the Christchurch Cathedral. The Cathedral was ruined by earthquake 36 hours after the carpet had been removed. A FASNZ Inc Photographic Policy was implemented. President Mrs Elizabeth Chapman and Vice President Mrs Heather Hammond, attended the tenth WAFA World Show ‘This Glorious Earth’ held in Boston USA, as the FASNZ Inc. delegates, with Mrs Fay Edgecombe as Official Observer. Mrs Elizabeth Chapman staged the New Zealand exhibit. Mrs Dorothy Turner was invited on the Awards Judging panel and Mrs Elizabeth König and Mrs Lois Montgomery on the WAFA Judging Panel. Mrs Jenny Harris, representing New Zealand at Canada Blooms Toronto, won a Silver medal. Mrs Isabella Tedcastle, Auckland was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

2012 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference held in Nelson incorporated a Lecturers’ Symposium, workshops and guest speaker Dr Rosalynd Pochin MBBS BSc Hons (Lon) FRACS. Mrs Roseanne Armstrong and Mrs Dorothy Turner presented a combined Floral Theatre ‘Some Like it Hot’. Mrs Lorraine Clare, Upper Hutt (d. 2013) was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. FASNZ Inc. notepads and new sets of cards were printed for sale to members. Management Board Member Mrs Nancy Murphy, Mmes Helen Spencer, Lynda Leary, Marilyn Page, Jennie Monro, Robyn Higgins and Anne Mackay attended the WAFA Seminar ‘Celtic Journey Ireland’ in Ireland. Mrs Nancy Murphy staged the New Zealand Exhibit ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. Her Excellency, Lady Janine Mateparae, accepted the position of FASNZ Inc. Patron.

2013 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Waves of Light’ held in Gisborne incorporated the seventh National Designer of the Year, an Exhibition, an Education Forum and ten workshops. Designer of the Year winner was Mrs Lyn McConnell, Bay of Plenty. Mrs Jackie Milina, Auckland was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. Mrs Francine Thomas, Tauranga and Mrs Vanita Patel, Auckland presented a combined Floral Theatre ‘Reflections’. Mr Damien Koh of Singapore toured in September – six workshops throughout New Zealand and two for Academy members. A trial period of 3 issues per year of the magazine Floral Focus commenced. Storage of the FASNZ Inc. records was moved to Tauranga. An Education Grant was established to assist with test day costs for Practical Judging and/or Teaching Units.

2014 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Fusion-IQ, Feel the Energy’ held in Queenstown, encompassed a Botanical Sculpture Exhibition by members of the Southland Area, an evolving Exhibition and eight workshops. Mr Rob Plattel of The Netherlands presented a demonstration, a ‘Trends and Techniques’ and one Master Class. High Tea and a floral demonstration was presented by Ms Rachel Reed. Mrs Heather Hammond, Waikato was elected Life Member. Mrs Jill Register, Palmerston North was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. President, Mrs Fay Edgecombe and Vice President Mrs Marion Shaw, attended the eleventh WAFA World Show ‘A Floral Odyssey’ in Dublin Ireland as the FASNZ Inc. delegates, with Mrs Val de Lautour as Official Observer. Mrs Fay Edgecombe staged the New Zealand exhibit. Mrs Francine Thomas represented New Zealand in the International Demonstration. Mrs Dorothy Turner was invited on the WAFA Judging Panel. Mrs Anne Mackay retired from the WAFA International Co-ordination Board Committee of which she had been Chairman and on WAFA Awards Judging Panels in 1999, 2002 and 2005. World Association of Flower Arrangers changed its name to World Association of Floral Artists.

2015 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’ held in Rotorua, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of FASNZ Inc. and incorporated the tenth National Exhibition ‘FloravisioNZ 2015’, showcasing thirteen competitive classes and four exhibition classes including one by Academy members. The theme for the fourteen Area designs was ‘Maori Legend or Myth’. Four past presidents were invited to create ‘Old Worldly Elegance’ pedestals and two mannequins were ‘Dressed for Effect’. Mrs Rae Baxter of Winton won ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Most Innovative’ Award. Hitomi Gilliam of Canada presented a demonstration ‘NeoFLORA’ and conducted two ‘Trends and Techniques’ presentations. Mark Pampling of Australia conducted two ‘Trends and Techniques’ presentations, a workshop for non-Academy members and an advanced workshop for Academy Members. The ‘Golden Girls’, demonstration by four Past Presidents of FASNZ Inc, provided entertainment. FASNZ Patron, Her Excellency Lady Janine Mateparae, was in attendance at the Show Opening and also the Diary Awards and Prize-giving function. Mrs Shirley Bedford, Auckland was awarded the Muriel De Stefano Trophy. A photographic book ‘Showcasing FloravisioNZ 2015’ was produced, incorporating the updated Flair history of FASNZ Inc. A booklet ‘History of the Floral Art Society of New Zealand Inc. 1965-2015’ was compiled and printed. It was approved at the AGM that three issues of Floral Focus per year be published.

2016 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Art Lives’ was held in New Plymouth celebrating NZ artist Len Lye. Lyn McConnell demonstrated ‘No Boundaries’ and Wona Bae from Melbourne, Australia presented the ‘Trends & Techniques’ demonstration and workshops. Five workshops were held and tours offered. The triennial National Designer of the Year ‘The Autumn Palette Stirs the Soul’ was held and the winner was Francine Thomas from Bay of Plenty Area. The Academy AGM was held prior to the FASNZ Inc. AGM. An exhibition was staged for the public from which the ‘Styles of Design & Techniques 2017’ was produced. Her Excellency, the Rt Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of NZ accepted to be Patron for the period of her tenure. Winner of the Muriel De Stefano Trophy was Phyllis Beeby of Southern Regions. FASNZ Facebook commenced. Academy held a weekend seminar in July with Clement Lee from Australia. A revised edition of the FASNZ Inc. Reference book Flair, was published.

2017 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Magical Marlborough’ was held in Blenheim celebrating the ‘Magic’ of the Marlborough Region. Max van de Sluis from the Netherlands presented a demonstration, a ‘Trends & Techniques’ and an advanced workshop. Seven workshops held, and tours were offered. The Academy AGM and dinner were held prior to the FASNZ AGM. The Muriel De Stefano Trophy was awarded to Coralie Jamieson of Nelson/Marlborough Area.

The twelfth WAFA World Show ‘Flowers in Paradise’ was held in Barbados. President Janthia Holt and Elizabeth König attended as FASNZ Inc. Delegates, with Marilyn Page and Leigh Greenstreet as Official Observers. Elizabeth König was invited on to the WAFA Judging Panel. Janthia Holt created the NZ Honorary Design. Fifteen members attended the Show.

2018 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Celebrate Diversity’ was held in Auckland celebrating the diversity of culture and design. Visa issues did not allow invited guest designer Premysl Hytych from the Czech Republic to attend. FASNZ members presented his proposed demonstration, ‘Trends & Techniques’ and workshop from drawings and staging received. Five workshops were held and tours were offered. The Academy AGM and dinner were held prior to the FASNZ AGM. Winner of the Muriel De Stefano Trophy was Colleen Woolf of Auckland Area. The Education System Procedures Manual and Unit System Guidelines were revised and the reprinted versions were released at the FASNZ Conference in April 2018.

A Stage Production Symposium was held in Tauranga, attended by thirty-six members. Tutors were Patricia Proctor, Francine Thomas and Sally Sloman and Convenor, Heather Hammond. Vice President Nancy Murphy, Past President, Marion Shaw and seven FASNZ members attended the WAFA India World Seminar ‘Floral Tales’. Marion Shaw, Marguerita McBeath and Pauline Luxton represented New Zealand with floral catwalk designs.

2019 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Te Manawa – The Heart’ was held in Palmerston North, Incorporating a National Exhibition. Barb Higgins of the Nelson/Marlborough Area won the National Designer of the Year competition. Six competitive classes were showcased, five workshops were held and tours were offered. Jean Shine from Perth, Australia presented a ‘Trends and Techniques’ and held three workshops. The Academy AGM and dinner were held prior to the FASNZ AGM. Winner of the Muriel De Stefano Award was Avis Barrie of Manawatu Area. Prior to the FASNZ AGM, Bronwyn Groot, Fraud Education Manager CFF, Auckland, presented a well-received paper on Internet Fraud. Te Puke member Val Burrell was awarded an MNZM in the New Year’s Honours List. FASNZ Inc. Constitution 2009 was updated and reprinted.

2020 In February, President Nancy Murphy and Vice President Marianne Gibson, attended the thirteenth WAFA World Show ‘Grand Floral Affair’ in Jaipur, India as FASNZ Inc. Delegates, with WAFA New Zealand committee members, Leigh Greenstreet and Maggie Kensington as Official Observers for FASNZ Inc. Heather Hammond and Pat Murdoch of the WAFA New Zealand committee attended as Observers. Thirty-three FASNZ Inc. members attended the Show and twelve placings were achieved. Nancy Murphy was invited onto the Honours Judging Panel. Lorraine Usher was invited onto the WAFA Judging Panel. Marianne Gibson and Vanita Patel staged the New Zealand exhibit. The WAFA headquarters were transferred to New Zealand for a three-year tenure.

Leigh Greenstreet was appointed to the WAFA Ltd Board by FASNZ Inc.

A unique coronavirus, COVID-19, became pandemic resulting in more than 1,162,087 deaths throughout the world. New Zealand went into strict national lockdown to try and eliminate the virus. This was achieved by October 2020.

The FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference planned for Christchurch in May was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Diary awards were announced on the FASNZ Website, as was the winner of the Muriel De Stefano Award - Florence Carmichael, of Wellington Area.

In September, FASNZ Inc. gave notice of the cancellation of the WAFA NZ Seminar ‘Southern Sojourns’ 2021, due to COVID-19 and restrictions on international borders.
In September, the WAFA NZ Show 2023 ‘Flora Aotearoa’ website was launched.

A revised FASNZ Inc. Pest Plant Policy was implemented.

2021 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Vista, Vines and Vintage’ was held in Napier. Nancy Murphy completed her 2-year tenure as President, Marianne Gibson taking over the position and Shirley Russ, Vice President. Muriel De Stefano winner was Ann O’Donoghue from the Manawatu Area.

A Botanical expo was held in Lincoln, Christchurch incorporating Daffodil growers, Alpine Society, using all the material that had been prepared for the cancelled conference.

A number of Clubs held anniversary events during the year of 2021. 2011 winner of the Muriel De Stefano Trophy, Lillian Phelps Gisborne Area passed away.

2022 FASNZ Inc. AGM and Conference ‘Take a No. 8’ was postponed due to Covid-19. Diary special awards were announced via the FASNZ Website and Facebook progressively. Muriel De Stefano award winner was Gwyneth Thomson from the Top of the South Area, awarded at a function in Blenheim when the Marlborough club were celebrating their member Coralie Jamieson's 100th birthday. Coralie has previously won this award.

First time in the history of FASNZ Inc. the Annual General meeting was held via Zoom in September 2022.

Education committee re-wrote the ‘Flair’ (Educational reference book).

Decision was made to cancel the WAFA World Show ‘Flora Aotearoa’ 2024 due to ongoing issues in regards the Covid 19 pandemic and travel restriction uncertainty.

FASNZ Inc. invited Mark Pampling from Australia to be a guest online Demonstrator. This was followed by Mark Pampling visiting New Zealand tutoring workshops in 5 venues (Queenstown, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Matamata and Auckland)