Better streets & spaces  |  7 Nov 2019

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A 70-year partnership continues to come up roses for the Christchurch City Council and the Christchurch Beautifying Association.

Founded in 1897, the association works with the Council and local Community Boards to deliver the annual Christchurch Street and Garden Awards and the Community Pride Garden Awards.

Association President Ron Andrew believes the awards are even more relevant today, helping to influence a modern city in a positive way and engaging Christchurch residents to help promote their larger “backyard”.

“We are encouraging people to create and maintain attractive gardens and street frontages, and generally enhance their street and lift the city’s garden image,” Mr Andrew says.

Launched in 1950, the Christchurch Street and Garden Awards encourage civic pride – recognising the best streets and residential and commercial gardens, along with living fences and major steps to boost the local environment.

The association – in tandem with the Council – will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Community Pride Garden Awards in 2020.

Council Community Partnerships and Planning Manager Gary Watson agrees that the awards are very important to Christchurch, citing the rising citywide interest.

“Each year, we are amazed by the standard of the gardens and streets across the city and the big turnouts for the awards presentations,” Mr Watson says.

“Each award has a big impact on the local community, underlining the street appeal of a wonderful garden and lifting the profile of the city.”

Mr Andrew also says the local landscape is evolving, with many contemporary gardens now sitting among the more traditional.

“Both styles have their place in the beautification of the city,” he says. “We focus on those gardeners, businesses or community organisations that put in the extra effort in their own gardens or local surroundings to nurture and bring out the best in our city.

“The judges inspect every street, selecting the best in each Community Board area.

“We now have awards for the best street and cul-de-sac in each of the six Community Boards within the city, and the most attractive gardens.”

The premier long street, short street, cul-de-sac and gardens are also recognised.

There are environmental awards for commercial and community properties – such as factories and schools – that help uplift local surroundings, and gateway awards covering Memorial Avenue and Main South, Main North, Yaldhurst and Ferry roads.

In an unusual move, people do not have to enter their gardens for an award. An expert panel simply chooses the best in each category from a purely street perspective.

Judging takes place from 18 January until 9 February next year.

Mr Andrew says that the future of the awards certainly looks bright as more people recognise Christchurch’s heritage as the “garden city”.