To build the people of Australasia a local online store of a world-class standard. A place where they are proud to shop online.

We will do this by building a high quality store that is convenient, easy-to-use, has a huge selection and excellent service.

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We built Mighty Ape because we’re bananas about online shopping. Our mission is to create the best online store for New Zealanders.

We work hard to provide you with great value and a world-class online shopping service. This means sourcing stock locally and ensuring orders are shipped quickly. It means competitive prices and it means being available should anything go wrong…

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BookFinder.com is a one-stop ecommerce search engine that searches over 150 million books for sale—new, used, rare, out-of-print, and textbooks. We save you time and money by searching every major catalog online, and letting you know which booksellers are offering the best prices and selection. When you find a book you like, you can buy it directly from the original seller; we never charge a markup.

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Amazon, a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, Washington, is the global leader in e-commerce. Since Jeff Bezos started Amazon in 1995, we have significantly expanded our product offerings, international sites, and worldwide network of fulfillment and customer service centers. Today, Amazon offers everything from books and electronics to tennis rackets and diamond jewelry. We operate sites in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, and China (Joyo.com) and maintain dozens of fulfillment centers around the world which encompass more than 12 million square feet.

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Customs and Traditions in the UK

Woodlands Junior School is in the south-east corner of England

Britain is full of culture and traditions which have been around for hundreds of years. British customs and traditions are famous all over the world. When people think of Britain they often think of people drinking tea, eating fish and chips and wearing bowler hats, but there is more to Britain than just those things. We have English and British traditions of sport, music, food and many royal occasions. There are also songs, sayings and superstitions. Who was Guy Fawkes? Why does the Queen have two birthdays? You can find the answers here in our pages on life in Britain.

The best page to check out first, is a page full of questions sent in by people from around the world. Enjoy!

The winner:  Kirstie Autridge from Forget Me Not Florist, Matamata (Sponsor National Flower Promotion Group)

First Place - Kirsty Autridge from "Forget Me Not Florist" Matamata, sponsored by National Flower Promotion Group

First Place Kirsty Autridge, receiving her certificate from "Festival of Flowers" chairman, Mr. Alan Jolliffe

Second equal:  Colleen May, Airway Florist, Auckland.  (Sponsored by Academy NZ, Auckland) and Aroha Hebberd, Pink Poppie Design Florist, Blenheim (Sponsored by Direct2florist.com)

Second Equal: Colleen May

Second equal: Aroha Hebberd

Third equal:  Nichola Mitchell, Pioneer New World (Sponsor Wellington Foodstuffs) and Third equal:  Amalia Wilson, Academy NZ Christchurch (Sponsored by Academy NZ Christchurch)

Third Equal: Nichola Mitchell

Third equal: Amalia Wilson

Amalia Wlson Academy CHCH

Amy Schweder Impres

Aroha Hebberd Direct2florist.com

Clara Pullar MIT

Colleen May Academy Auckland

Danielle Smith, Moodz Florist, Te Rapa New World

Hannah Smith Hagley Night'n Day Foodstore

Rachael Percival, United Flower Auctions

Kirstie Autridge, National Flower Promotion Group

Nichola Mitchell, New World

The standard of work has been fantastic, with a fantastic variation of materials used and techniques applied.

Well done to all the girls. Everyone has had a great day and looking forward to a rest and a slightly later start tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s tasks will be “Body decoration of a live model”. The competitors will be designing their creation on ten Marian College students who have volunteered to wear and model their work.

Also a ” single hand tied flower”, and an “item for a masked ball”. How much fun will that be!!

At the conclusion of the first day, the competitors had accomplished 3 tasks.

Rachael Percival

Clara Pullar

Amalia Wilson

Nichola Mitchell

Hannah Smith

Amy Schweder

Colleen May

Aroha Hebberd

Kirstie Autridge

Danielle Smith

Left to right, back row: Caitlin Thorburn 2009 Winner and international representative at worldskills at Calgary and Culhane Petrie timekeeper. Front row: Penny Trubshaw, Ray King, Cassie Cross, Judges

Aroha Hebberd

Hi, my name is Aroha Hebberd and I am 19 years old. I live in Blenheim and have been working at the Pink Poppie designer Florist since I was 16 and love every minute of it!! I work with 3 wonderful ladies that teach me so much and that I love being around. I really mean it when I say that I have the best boss in the world who has made me who I am today. She has been the most amazing and inspiring teacher that I could ever ask for! I honestly say that I love having the chance to be so creative in my work. I really look forward to the opportunity of meeting other young creative florists and being inspired by one another,giving it all and having fun! Sponsored by Direct2florist.com

Kirstie Autridge

I am Kirstie Autridge.

I am 17 years of age and have been working at  Forget Me Not florist in Matamata for the past two years as a student after school. I have recently started studying floristry and am enjoying the challenge. Sponsored by National Flower Promotion Group

nichola mitchell

My name is Nichola Mitchell. I am 20 years old and manage a floral and garden department called ‘Emily Rose’ at Pioneer New World Palmerston North. My responsibilities include marketing, purchasing and general business as well as caring for three other staff. I become more excited about my job each day as I work towards my NZ certificate in floristry. Sponsored by Foodstuffs Wellington – Poineer New World

Hannah Smith

hey,  my name is Hannah and i am 17. i have been working at Bethany Gardens for about 4 months. My Boss is the most lovley Lady i have ever meet and she just never stops giving. i love working with flowers and being surrounded by flowers all day, nothing makes me happier. xox Sponsored by Hagley Night ‘N Day Foodstores Christchurch

Amalia Wilson

My name is Amalia Wilson.

I have recently completed the Level 3 Certificate in Floristry at The Academy in Christchurch. I have learned so many skills during this course which I would love to apply within the floristry profession.  My goal is to obtain an apprenticeship to enable me to further develop my creativity in this area and some day own my very own business. Sponsored by Academy New Zealand Christchurch

Danielle Smith

Hi my name is Danielle Smith and I will be 18 when I compete in the Ellerslie International Flower Show. I work at Moodz Florist in Te Rapa New World. I LOVE MY JOB! Thanks to my amazing manager and team who have supported me and make coming to work an enjoyable experience.
I have been working at Te Rapa New World for three years and was the youngest person ever to be employed here. I am currently working towards completing my Floral Apprenticeship to enhance my skills. After I have finished my apprenticeship I plan to take my skills overseas and make a name for myself. Sponsored by Te Rapa New World, Hamilton

My name is Rachel Percival.

I’ve studied Floristry at Unitec in Auckland, and I’m currently working at the Auckland Flower Markets. I love working with flowers everyday, I’ve learnt so much and have met so many talented florists. I plan to further my studies and run my own business. Sponsored by United Flower Auctions

Amy Schweder

My name is Amy Schweder

I’m 19 years old and and live in Nelson. I have been working at Earthbloom Designer Florist for over two years now and have learnt so much. Ive been really fortunate to have a boss who encourages and supports me being creative. I am excited about the challenge and look forward to being part of the competition. Sponsored by Impres (Impact Presentations Ltd.)

Clara Pullar

My Name is Clara Pullar.
I’m 19 years old and live in Auckland. I studied Floristry at Unitec and now have a Certificate in Commercial Floristry. I have been working at Maten Floral Design for a year now. I love working with flowers and I have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing florists who have taught me so much. I wish to work overseas and learn new floristry techniques from people all over the world. Sponsored by Manukau Institute of Technology, School of Horticulture.

Colleen Ann May

Hi, I’m 17 years old I’ll be turning 18 in march. I first entered the world skills at the age of 16 by coming 2nd in Auckland, then coming 4th in the Nationals. I do a lot of profession art, you name it I can draw it! I also work in a floral shop called – (Airway Florist) at the Auckland international airport. I have just finished my level 4 floristry programme, well working at the same time. Not much of a sports fan, but I will support people that represent our country! Sponsored by Academy New Zealand Otahuhu

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE:

Competitors entry form for Ellerslie Flower Show March 2010

Update 7 March 2010

Question from Kirstie Autridge.

Do the flowers in  the Hanging wall arrangement require a water source or are the stems able to be taped to retain what water they have in the stems? The flowers will have to have a water source (ie tubes)

Travel and accommodation:

Any questions regarding air travel, please contact John : ph 027 3695139

Accommodation & shuttle enquiries call Alan Patterson:  ph 0274 508086

Any other questions call Garry: ph 03 3484 103 (wk) 03 355 4426 (ah) or email nzflorists@direct2florist.com

Venue update:

Your workstations are now FULL of FANTASTIC plants, ribbons, sticks, wires and ties, vases, glassware, feathers, accessories to make your mouths water – a truly brilliant assortment of great treats to work with. BE EXCITED!

The first flowers arrived from the “FLOWER VAULT” on Saturday – 6 cartons of exotics and foliages to work with.  The rest of the flowers will start arriving on Monday…..

Caitlin Thurburn, who represented New Zealand at the Calgary Worldskills floristry finals in 2009 will be demonstrating. Penny Trubshaw, who some of you know, is already in Christchurch. Penny will also be demonstrating at Ellerslie.

Penny is one of the judges at the event, along with Ray King from Christchurch, Cassie Cross from Auckland and Joy Knight, Christchurch.

Update 5 March 2010

Ellerslie is only days away. The work stations are set up with accessories and goodies from OCEANS FLORAL, IMPRES, NETWORK, and the fresh product is ordered. Today ZEALANDIA HORTICULTURE delivered 9 cartons of sponsored plants for you to work with.

Look on the home page for the sponsors who have made this competition possible. SUPPORT THEM!!

The lighting is installed – each competitor will have power at the workbench. RANGIORA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY will have members present to record the event – so be prepared to be photographed.

Update 28 February 2010

Competitors and exhibitors MUST wear covered toe footwear at the Ellerslie venue

Update 19 February 2010

Questions from Kirsty:

Is green termed as a colour in monochromatic such as foliage? The green of the foliage that is used will not judged as another colour in a monochromatic colour scheme.

Can hot glue be used on the body decoration, on the dress of a live model? Yes with care – we want to ask these models to come back next year! You will be given fabric to make a dress for your model, to protect her clothing and keep the look uniform. So when it’s all over and damage to the model’s “dress” won’t matter.  There will also be magnets and cold glue available.

Can we use sprays and paints? No. We are working in an enclosed area. EIFS would not allow the use of sprays.

Update: 19 Feb 2010

Don’t forget to bring with you your tool boxes with all the things you need – secateurs, wire cutters, hot glue gun and glue, scissors for cutting ribbon, paper, fabric…. Also a brush and comb, bobby pins clips etc. You will have a model mannequin with real hair as a prop! And a live model to parade your work!  You will not be judged on your hairdressing ability, but a bit of a hairstyle could enhance you design! You will find out more at the orientation.

Accommodation has been booked at the Riccarton Village Inn, only a short walk across Hagley Park to the Ellerslie Flower Show Competition Venue

Travel Reservations: YOU DO NEED TO CONTACT John on 027 3695139 to confirm your travel arrangements. Please do that today.

Update 2nd Feb 2010

Just keeping you all in touch with the FLONZI and the Worldskills Floristry Apprentice of the year competition to be held at the  Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch on the 9th March to the 14th March inclusive.

We are now getting ready to book flights and accommodation. We hope to have all contestants in the same motel which is walking distance to the flower show in Hagley park and cafes (to be advised )

We have been allocated centre space in the huge new marquee

Contestant Information:

Each contestant will have their own working space of 2.5m wide & 3m deep
Each contestant will have their individual sponsor
Each contestant will wear a tee shirt with the sponsors name on their front and back and signage in the work area

You will get you sponsor tee shirt direct from the sponsor

We have completed writing the projects for each task. They are attached giving you the opportunity to consider these and practice.

You will be sent 20 tasks. You will find out which FIFTEEN tasks have been selected on orientation day Tuesday 9th March. On that day you will also have your working space allocated.

On the Orientation day you will have 1 hour question time with the chief judge on the weeks programme. This will include the allocation of marks for each task.

On the orientation day 9th March all the selection of containers for the 5 days of competition will be available and you will be asked to unwrap and place in your area likewise all accessories will be available and again these are up to you to place in your area

The fresh material and flowers will be available for the first day of competition and allocated into you area for you to arrange

Each day you will receive fresh material for those days tasks
You will receive a large selection of fresh flowers and foliage – more than you will need to give you every opportunity to be creative.

As the competition is running over 5 days we anticipate you will complete 3 tasks per day with breaks for lunch and morning after noon tea breaks.

You will have opportunities to relax and visit and enjoy the other exhibitions at the flower show during the judging time and lunch break

We will have a set timetable for each task and this will be adhered to. You must all start and finish at the same time

There will be a question time before each days tasks and at the end of each day.

You will be asked to bring you own tool boxes and tools including a hot glue gun and glue sticks. There will be florist wire cold glue decorative wire ribbons paper and accessories available.
The sponsors may visit the competition you may speak to them only when you are not competing. The media will also visit and take photos while you are working do not let this disturb you. The public will also be keen to stand and watch this is a great learning experience for international competitions

Also our very own first Floristry Tool Black is Caitlin from Flowers Manuela Wellington. Caitlin will be in Christchurch during the competition week. I am sure you will all find her inspirational to talk to. A really lovely young women.

You may wear and listen to music as long as it does not disturb the other competitors. The public will not be allowed to speak with you while you are working on a competition task – or you to them.
The Tasks are very exciting there is no theory in the competition. The projects are to encourage your young ideas and creativity. You will, I am sure, pick up your imagination and stimulation with the surrounding floral art exhibits landscape gardens and the overall atmosphere of the Ellerslie Flower Show in Hagley Park.

All competitors will have the same materials to work such as accessories, Fresh flowers, fresh plants, fresh foliage, fresh moss products, wet foam and selection of containers.

There will be a health a safety document and first aid person at the competitions.

The age criteria is under 21 years in 2010 to compete at FLONZI / WORLDSKILLS. The winners will have the opportunity to compete at the National Worldskills on 22-26th September at Christchurch Polytechnic this would be a one day event.

Competitors must be members of FLONZI. Find an application form on “How to Join”.

There are possibly questions you may wish to ask please do not hesitate to call Joy on 03-3554426 or email: joyhito@xtra.co.nz

Assessment Criteria Specification:

The skill assessment criteria are clear and concise aspect specifications that explain how and why a particular mark is awarded.

A: Composition

v     General Impression (shape, form, proportions, visual balance)

v     Style

v     Choice, dominance and use of materials (form, texture, structure, contrasts, rhythm, movement, volume, lines, directions)

v     Material respect

B: Colours

v     Dominance of used colours

v     Expression of idea in colours

v     Colour composition (contrasts, harmony, value of colours, etc.)

v     Tones, shades and tints

v     Placement of colours

C: Idea

v     Originality

v     Uniqueness

v     Creativity

v     Interpretation of the given subject/task/theme

D: Techniques

v     Cleanness

v     Suitability of technique used

v     Suitability of work

v     Physical balance

v     Possibility to have water (if applicable)

v     Technical difficulty/level

Each task has it’s own assessment criteria listed.

Competitors must be members of FLONZI. Find an application form on “How to Join”.

From this competition we are looking for a competitor to join the tool blacks and compete in floristry in London in 2011.

The competition will be held centre stage of the huge new main marquee and will run for the duration of the show.

With organisers expecting a global audience of up to 80,000  at the show, the competition atmosphere will be similar to that which the winner will experience at International level.

If you feel that you or your company would benefit by becoming a sponsor partner with FLONZI and would like to find out more,  contact us on flonzioffice@yahoo.co.nz

More about Worldskills International