WFRS Regional Convention 2013
Palmerston North will welcome rose enthusiasts from across New Zealand and around the world in November 2013 when the city hosts a World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) regional convention.
The theme of the convention is Roses Down Under – the kiwi experience. This event will showcase the very best of New Zealand, its gardens and roses to delegates and show them our great New Zealand hospitality.
Up to 300 delegates will spend just under a week in the city taking part in activities such as the National Rose Show, judging in the International Rose Trials, lectures and tours to gardens and other attractions in the lower North Island. Among the tour highlights will be visits to Matthews Nurseries at Wanganui and the collection of Sam McGredy roses just out of Hastings.
Pre and post convention tours are also being organised to further showcase New Zealand to international visitors with visits to public and private gardens plus tourist attractions in both islands. The pre convention tour will begin in Auckland and take in Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Rotorua and Taupo while the post convention tour will visit Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson before finishing in Christchurch.
The Manawatu Rose Society is hosting the convention on behalf of the New Zealand Rose Society and a committee is already planning what is hoped will be a memorable event for all those that attend.
Previous international rose conventions hosted by New Zealand in 1971 (Hamilton), 1994 (Christchurch) and 2004 (Auckland) have been very successful and have led to New Zealand being recognised as a leader in the world of roses and a popular destination for international rose enthusiasts.
Further information and registration details will be posted on the New Zealand Rose Society website as plans are put in place, so check back often for updates.
Provisional program as of September 2010 – subject to change
Friday 22nd Nov 2013
3pm Pre conference tour arrives in Palmerston North and registration desk open.
7.30pm Meet and great function, International roll call.
Saturday 23rd November 2013
11am National Rose Show open to public and registrants. Displays of quilting, art and miniature exhibits are also proposed.
2.30pm Official opening
7.30pm Pre dinner drinks, Prize giving and Convention banquet speeches.
Sunday 24th November 2013
9am International Trial Ground commences for registrants and public
12noon Lunch followed by City Tour to Herb Farm, Te Apiti Wind Farm, private gardens and Highden Manor & rose garden.
5.30pm International Rose Trial awards followed by a dinner
Monday 25th November 2013
9am – 4.30pm Lecture program.
Alternative program for those not wishing to attend lectures – Whanganui River trip, Ezibuy clothing outlet, Rugby Museum, Te Manawa Science Centre
Tuesday 26th November 2013
8.30pm Lectures continue
Bus trip departs for Wanganui to visit Matthews Nurseries and selected gardens.
Wednesday 27th November 2013
8am – 5pm Bus trip to Napier and wineries, also visiting the Sam McGredy rose collection in Hastings.
7.30pm Farewell Tea
Thursday 28th November 2013
Post convention tour begins.
Pre convention tour: Thursday 14th – Friday 22nd November 2013.
Provisional outline:
Auckland – visiting Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Hamilton – Waikato Rose Society show, opening dinner and Pacific Rose Bowl Festival.
Te Awamutu – Rose gardens.
Waitomo Caves – Famous for its glow worms.
Rotorua – Rose gardens, the Maori Culture Capital of New Zealand.
Taupo – Views of the great lake and central North Island mountains.
Arrive Palmerston North
Post Convention tour: Thursday 28th November – Sunday 1st December 2013.
Kapiti Coast – Southwards Car Museum
Wellington – Capital city of NZ, visit Lady Norwood Rose Gardens.
Cross over to the South Island by air or ferry
Blenheim
Nelson
Christchurch – visit Botanical Gardens and Mona Vale Rose Garden.
