FLONZI - Florists New Zealand Incorporated

For more information about Worldskills NZ, pictures and results of the 2011 competition visit their website.

Academy NZ school of floristry held a two day workshop on 8th and 9th October 2012. The use of the Academy NZ’s excellent facilities in their well equipped floristry classroom proved a winner

DAY ONE

The attendance of apprentices was a total of 13 on the two day workshop. FLONZI was thrilled to have Master Florist ALLAN JARDEN, from his CENTRAL CITY FLORIST SHOP in the South City Center, 555 Colombo Street, as their first demonstrator on day one.

Allen demonstrated funeral tributes in the morning, enthralling the apprentices with his wreath and casket making skills, explaining the elements and principals of design as he went.

In the afternoon each apprentice made their casket spray and placed the the floral tribute onto a casket that Allen had supplied, for appraisal, giving each apprentice skilled valuable aadvice, which I have no doubt they will appreciate as they continue their floristry careers.

Thank you Allen for your expertise in the floral tribute workshop – the success of which the participating apprentices will benefit from as they continue their training.

DAY TWO

Flonzi was delighted to welcome European Master Florist and designer GISLINDE FOLKETS, from Geraldine..

Gislinde enthralled the 13 apprentices with her inspiring wedding work Gislinde demonstrated the intricacies of a wristlet, which all the apprentice made in the morning and some students wore to their lunch break

Gislinde also demonstrated a wedding bouquet frame which certainly gave apprentices food for thought as they broke for lunch.

In the afternoon Gislinde wired and taped for her wedding flowers on the the wedding frame introducing exquisite accessories with outstanding creativity. Each apprentice began their interpretation of the making of the frame and the  choice of placement of the flowers and accessories.

The afternoon concluded with individual appraisal to each apprentice from this master of florist design.Thank you Gislinde for your expertise in this successful wedding workshop. You gave all apprentices a taste to inspire them as they continue their training.

Thank you to Ray (secretary FLONZI), and Culhan(FLONZI chair), which included home made scones, shortbread, filled rolls, asparagus rolls, fruit, chocolate slice, tea and coffee for morning and afternoon teas and lunches on both days, on behalf of FLONZI.

Thank you, thank you both for giving us all perfect sustenance for this creative two day weekend workshop.

Joy Knight

FEEDBACK:

Lois is raving about the training weekend and all the girls want to go next time!

Bloomers, 4 Bayview Place, Timaru

Q: What are the dimensions of the Ellerslie Torso?

Material plastic colour flesh,  Height  715mm,  shoulder width 415mm,  waistline 235mm,  buttocks 340mm,  It is hollow at the back.

Q: Can our design be from the torso down or is it just the torso?

A: The torso is a hanging torso, you will have a stand to display it on or it may hang in your shop once it is completed. You may decorate it down or all over, for instance a necklace of flowers and a material skirt, or a long flowing skirt with a floral design on top, or you can stick newspaper all over it, it is up to you what you do.

Q: For the Ellerslie torso, can we do any pre-made work for our design?

A: Yes you can pre-make any accessories; the fresh material must be completed on the day. You can bring fresh flowers of your choice for this task only; we will provide foliage and some fresh flowers, mostly fresh long lasting material to enhance your overall display. All competitors will get the same quantity of flowers and foliage. Please note, this is the only task where you can bring your own materials.

Q: Can you give me examples of the following?

1. Mixed media arrangement, is this using different flowers?

A: This is using different flowers plus produce such as lemons or onions.

2. Themed arrangement?

A: You will be able to choose your own theme for this task.

3. Mystery box?

A: Last year the mystery box contained a lampshade frame, oasis, a bowl, flowers, sticks and feathers. You use your imagination to create something imaginative.

NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Phormium Tenax;

Known as Harakeke, swamp flax or common flax the most common species

leaves are stiff, often broad and can grow up to three metres

flowers are usually red

seed pods grow upright.

Phormium cookianum

known as Wharariki or mountain flax

grows along exposed coastlines and on mountain slopes

leaves are narrower and shorter, usu­ally grow up then arch downward

flowers are usually yellow or a lighter green

seed pods are droopy, twisted and hang down and become thin and papery with age.

A fan is the unit of the Harakeke plant. The way it grows led to conventions about how it could be harvested for sustainability.

The plant was seen as a family. The central shoot or rito was the baby and the leaves on either side of it the awhi rito or mātua (its parents). Only the leaves on the outside – the tūpuna, or grandparents – were cut, to avoid weakening the plant.

Only the leaves outside of these were harvested by Maori, as cut­ting the inner leaves weakens the plant and the younger leaves are not as effective for fibre or green-leaf weaving work.

Some experts believe that Harakeke grew tough to avoid being eaten up by moa or trampled by their feet. Others think it evolved to handle the harsh conditions it lives in, in swamps, on high slopes and rough coasts.

For Maori, the art of weaving is a specialised art and a way to pass on cultural values, based on respect for the mauri or life force of the natural world. Harakeke and its uses were so important to all aspects of Maori lifestyle that traditions and rituals of care and protection grew up in each hapu or iwi around the plants, the process, the weaver and the finished work.

They followed certain steps, such as not cutting Harakeke at night or in the rain when the leaves would be harder and more difficult to work with. There were customs around which leaves to harvest, to support the strength and sustainability of the plant.

One ritual that has changed in some places over time, is returning all unused cut harakeke to the base of the plant it came from to provide mulch and return nutrients to the earth as it breaks down. However, dead leaf material provides a great shelter for pests that attack the plants and it is considered better by some if the trimmings are composted or buried well away from the bushes.

There were traditions to learn around how the work was to be done which also passed along important customs and ideas. These were rules like not eating while weaving, and the importance of sticking with a particular piece of work until it was finished, so the learner could properly master the skills involved. Special flax plants were tended in a plantation (pā harakeke) and there were traditions about when and how they could be harvested.

Food and medicine

After Māori arrived in New Zealand, from around 1250, they discovered the useful properties of flax. The nectar from its flowers made a sweet drink. The roots could be crushed to make poultices for skin infections, and to produce a juice with disinfectant and laxative properties. The gum from the base of the leaves eased pain and healed wounds, especially burns. The leaves themselves could be used as bandages and to secure broken bones.

More information on flax in New Zealand http://www.alibrown.co.nz/

Here is a link to a wonderful source of information on festivals & celbrations. It has been presented by Woodlands Junior School…….

The  “FLONZI Trophy” for the Young Horticulturist of the Year 2010 was awarded to:

Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHOTY)

Partnered by: NZ Horticulture ITO, Fruitfed Supplies, AGMARDT, FMG and Turners & Growers

Who are the finalists of the 2010 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition?

* Marc Higgie, a trained arborist managing his parents arboreteum in Wanganui , representing the Arboriculture Association

* Dave Harris, nursery production manager for Thirkettles Nurseries, Nelson, representing the Nursery and Garden Industry Association

* Alex Stewart, sub contractor for Total Landscape Creations in Auckland, representing Landscaping NZ

* Gareth Holder, a technical field consultant for Abron, based in Napier, representing the Vegetable sector for Horticulture NZ

* Jonathan Newby, orchardist for Hirst Partnership, an apple and blue berry orchard in Hawkes Bay, representing the fruit sector for Horticulture NZ

* Stuart Dudley, a grower-division viticulturist for Delegats Wine Estate in Blenheim, representing the NZ Winegrowers

* Jessica Mills, co-owner of a floristry business, Lovells Flowers 4 You, in Hawera, representing the Floriculture industry

* Leigh Harrison is a qualified horticulturist for the grounds at Waikato University, representing the NZ Recreation Association – Amenity sector

Who are the judges?

We have a range of judges at the Grand Final including the 3 main judges as well as 2 judges for each practical activity. The three main judges include Jack Hobbs, Curator of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, Errol Hewett Emeritus Professor at Massey University, and Lesley Slade, consultant in leadership management. All the judges offer their time voluntarily.

What are the prizes in the 2010 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition?

The winner of the competition will win over $14,000 worth of prizes which includes a $10,000 travel package, $2,500 Scotts quality products, $1000 of Swazi Apparel, $1,000 Fruitfed Supplies gift voucher, $550 Yates voucher. The second placegetter will receive a $5,500 Massey University study package, a $3,000 personal development course, e g. Outward Bound Course, $1,000 Swazi Apparel, $750 Fruitfed Supplies gift voucher, $250 Yates voucher.

There are also a number of awards judged during the competition, e.g. the FMG Award for Outstanding Skills and Leadership, the prize is a one year Leadership NZ course to the value of $16,000, the NZ Horticulture ITO Award for Best Overall Practical Activities score, the Turners & Growers Best Overall Speech, and a new award this year, the Award for Best Practice.

Who are the sponsors of the 2010 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition?

Our Partnering sponsors: NZ Horticulture Industry Training Organisation, FMG, AGMARDT, Fruitfed Supplies , Turners & Growers

Our Silver Sponsors: Massey University, NZ Gardener Magazine

Our Affiliated sponsors: Bayer CropScience, Treescape, Mission Estate, Scotts, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Swazi Apparel, Yates, Hansens the Flower People, Cornwall Park Trust , Rainbow Park Nurseries, Parkland, Leadership NZ, Trillian Trust.

The competition is managed by the RNZIH Education Trust, they would like to sincerely thank AGMARDT for underwriting the 2010 competition and Trillian Trust for their grant to assist with the costs for the awards dinner.

Information Courtesy of RNZIH

Here is a list of some useful books to assist trainees:

For soils: Handreck, K. (2001). Gardening down under: A guide to healthier soils and plants. CSIRO Publications.

For botany: Capon, B. (1990). Botany  for gardeners. Timber Press: Oregon.

For pests & diseases: Lucas, R. (2005).  Managing pests and diseases – a handbook for New Zealand gardeners. Craig Potton Publishing.

Hello everyone,

Following the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch on Tuesday 22 February The Ellerslie International Flower show has been Cancelled. On behalf of the flonzi members and committee I thank everyone for their messages of support and love

To those who have been affected in Christchurch by this tragic event we pass our sympathies on to those who have lossed loved ones colleagues and friends business their homes and possessions and trust the days ahead will become easier

To you our wonderful sponsors we thank you and look ahead to working with you all next year

We have all our Ellerslie props and items purchased in storage which we hope to be able access soon and remove to JOYFLORA florist which is a sound building. Please to post a message on the flonzi web site email flonzioffice@yahoo.co.nz

Thank you all

Love and Best wishes, Joy

SCHOOL OF FLORISTRY @ ACADEMY NEW ZEALAND

Young Florist Apprentice of the year competition

This year we are delighted to introduce Andrew Murray and the  School of Floristry @ Academy New Zealand as naming sponsors for the Ellerslie Young Florist Apprentice of the Year Competition.

We thank Andrew and “@ Academy New Zealand” for their total support of FLONZI in all it’s ventures.

The Academy runs a School of Floristry on three campuses, Auckland, Christchurch, and Manukau, teaching the  National Certificate in floristry level 3 and 4, which  introduces young florists into the trade with excellent prospects of advancement within the industry.

The theme for The Ellerslie International Flower Show Competition is:

A PASSION FOR FASHION

Applications are extended to florists in the flower Industry to compete at the prestigious Ellerslie International Flower Show,

Hagley Park, Christchurch  9^th to 13^th March 2011

10 Junior Florists (under 20 yrs)

10 Senior Florists (under 30 yrs)

Florists in the junior section will compete for a chance to represent their district in the biennial Worldskills National Competition held in Christchurch

The winner of the senior section will have the opportunity to compete at the 2011 NZ Young Horticulturalist of the Year annual event.

This year, the FLONZI participants will also compete for the prestigious Ellerslie Awards. The senior florist will create a static flower shop. The flower shop will be designed and named by the senior florist.

All competitors will have a range of tasks that will be judged. All tasks will also be assessed by NZHITO towards a national certificate in floristry

For further information please contact;-

Joy Knight on 03 355 4426 or contact FLONZI

Download Ellerslie 2011 Entry Form

Competition Entry Form

Please return all complete entry forms to the secretary by January 25^th 2011 – please print clearly

Name:.……………………………………………………………………

Shop:…………………………………………………….……………….

Postal Address:………………………………………………………….

Suburb…………………….……City…………………Post code….…..

Home Phone number:…………………………………………………..

Mobile phone:…………………………………………………………….

Date of birth:………………………………………………………………

Country of origin:…………………………………………………………

About you – information about you to include in the programme and promotional material.

The Worldskill National  Final floristry competition was was held at the CPIT in Christchurch during the weekend. The theme was wedding work and the five competitors  were given a five tasks.

The winner was Aroha Hebbard, followed in second place by Amalia Wilson and Kirsty Autridge finished third. Congratulations to all the competitors who worked so hard and produced such excellent designs.

Images from the competition from Graham Barr photographer

Aroha receiving the gold medal

Winners leaving the podium

Kirsty (third) Aroha (first), Amalia (second)

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