13TH AUSTRALASIAN CONFERENCE OF VOLUNTEER GUIDES IN BOTANIC GARDENS
"Guiding for the Future"
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
Monday to Friday, 28 October to 1 November 2013 (inclusive)
Preliminary details for the forthcoming 13th Australasian Conference of Volunteer Guides in Botanic Gardens, "Guiding for the Future" to be held from Monday to Friday, 28 October to 1st November 2013 (inclusive) in Christchurch, New Zealand. 2013 is the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
PHOTO: Image courtesy Christchurch City Council, Aerial view of Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Some Highlights: A Botanic Gardens celebrating 150 years; Thursday tours to the alps or the wineries and gardens of Banks Peninsula or North Canterbury; enthralling walks with trained guides in our beautiful Botanic Gardens; informal talks and discussions with colleagues; visiting a city that is in a massive rebuild following some disastrous earthquakes.
The Chateau on the Park Hotel will be used for registration and the evening functions. The indoor conference sessions will be at the Canterbury Horticultural Society (CHS) building in Hagley Park close to the Christchurch Hospital. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will feature guided walks in our Botanic Gardens. It is a ten-minute walk from the conference venue at CHS to the Botanic Gardens. A map is attached with information about nearby accommodation.
A Post-Conference tours is being planned to Dunedin (gardens) and to Central Otago (Queenstown and Arrowtown) and may also include the West Coast (glaciers and forest).
The draft Conference programme is:
MONDAY: Venue: Chateau on the Park
Registration 1 pm to 5 p.m. Late registration will be from 8.30 a.m. Tuesday at the CHS venue.
After registration, visits to Mona Vale Garden and Riccarton Bush (native) will be available.
Evening
6 p.m. Maori welcome - Powhiri
6.20 p.m. Welcome and Opening: Christchurch Mayor, plus John Clemens and Alan Morgan.
7.00 - 9 p.m. Cocktails and Conversations
TUESDAY: 8.30-4.30 Venue
Keynote speakers and Breakout Group discussions in the Canterbury Horticultural Society building in the morning followed by guided walks in the Botanic Gardens in the afternoon. Guide-Trainers' Exchange their ideas in the morning (11.00-12.30). Please let me know if you are a trainer.
WEDNESDAY: 8.30-4.30
Keynote speakers and Breakout Group discussions in the Canterbury Horticultural Society building in the morning followed by guided walks in the Botanic Gardens in the afternoon. Delegates Meeting is in the morning (11.00-12.15). Please let us know if you are a delegate.
THURSDAY: 8.30-5.00
Whole day bus tours to: North Canterbury, Akaroa, Arthurs Pass (Southern Alps) and two more to City and Environs gardens.
Half-Day Tours: Christchurch City
Evening 6.30 p.m. Conference Dinner at Chateau on the Park Hotel.
FRIDAY: 8.30-1.30
Plenary sessions
Presentation from those organising the next conference.
Lunch and Farewells - ending at 1.30 p.m.
There are a number of interesting choices and it is important to rank your choices.
For any queries please contact:
Neil Fleming
Secretary
Planning Committee