FASNZ Conference 2020
It was with great regret that, due to the global pandemic, the FASNZ 2020 Conference and AGM “New Foundations” in Christchurch had to be cancelled. As hosts, the Canterbury Area, had put forth a fantastic effort in preparations to ensure that this year’s Conference would be a wonderful showcase for both FASNZ and Christchurch. The welcome notice from Co-Convenors, Margaret Huckstep and Shirley Russ set the tone for great excitement among members.
Kia ora from Canterbury Area
Our people are explorers and as a city that’s what makes Christchurch such a unique and distinctive place to be. From our rich history as the birthplace of women’s suffrage, our Ngāi Tahu ancestry and our Antarctic connections, we have a story to tell. We will always be the Garden City. Proud of our lush and diverse gardens mixing our endemic flora with strong English traditions.
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city undergoing extraordinary transformation and as we build from new foundations, we are also redefining who we are - a city of endless opportunity. Open for you to explore, through the laneways and courtyards mixing with the traditional squares and green spaces.
We extend a Canterbury welcome to all members to New Foundations 1-3 May 2020 to come and share your design passion with us, inspire and be inspired. Bring your open minds and friendship through flowers, pack your walking shoes and together we will explore floral art today and our accessible city of art, architecture and ambition. Dream of how you see floral art today and in the future for the strategy workshop. Celebrate success at the Awards and join together for our Annual General Meetup, or stay to explore our city more.
During the early months of 2020, members delighted in watching the clever promotional images of the fashionable “Canterbury” high heel shoes as they ‘walked’ us through all of the events to be on offer at Conference. From the Conference ‘Base Camp’ at the Rydges Latimer, varied bus and walking art tours around the city, an evenings stage production entertainment by two of our members for their National Demonstration Tests, to the all important Celebration Dinner ‘Stepping onto the WAFA World Stage’.
Needless to say, there was major disappointment all around, but as we all joined with the rest of the country in taking the painful but necessary ‘Lockdown’ steps to try and defeat this biological threat we maintain hope that we will succeed and once again be able to enjoy meeting and sharing our enjoyment in floral art.
Important Message from President
As the situation around the Coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to evolve, the FASNZ Executive have been constantly monitoring and keeping me informed of updates from government agencies, the NZ Ministry of Health and of course the World Health Organization.
Considering the current situation, and with the full support of the FASNZ Inc Management Board, I have regrettably decided to cancel the FASNZ 2020 AGM & Conference in Christchurch. The health and safety of all our members is our utmost priority, and we could not, with clear conscience, put any of our members at risk by insisting that the Conference go ahead as planned.
We deeply regret all the hardwork and planning that has already been done for this conference, and would like to acknowledge the Christchurch Planning Committee for their excellent efforts. There is no doubt that everyone was looking forward to visiting Christchurch.
Keep safe and thank you for your support!
Nancy Murphy
FASNZ President
