From Lionel Savins, Australian Commissioner

This exhibition was held at Timaru, on the South Island of New Zealand, on 16th-18th October 2009, at the S.B.S. Events Centre in Aorangi Park.  This Events Centre is similar to other multi-function Centres built in various towns and cities throughout the country.  The Ground Floor consists of three basketball courts, side-by-side, giving an overall floor area ideal for holding these Exhibitions.  The upper floor open area was used for the canteen, with tables and chairs set out for this purpose and for general discussion and relaxation.  This upper area was also used for the Palmares, and worked well.  The medals presented at the Palmares were among some of the best I have seen.

Australian exhibitors supplied 25 entries, totalling 122 frames, which necessitated the appointment of Glen Stafford (W.A.) as assistant commissioner.  There was a large contingent of Australians at the Exhibition, and all were warmly welcomed.  It was held in a very friendly atmosphere, something we have come to expect with New Zealand Exhibitions, new friendships were made and old ones renewed.

The Australian entries did well at the Exhibition, one entry receiving Runner-Up to the Grand Award, two entries receiving Best in Class, and one entry receiving Felicitations from the Jury.

Timaru is located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, with limited access by air.  We flew into Christchurch, which has bus connections to Timaru, as air access is from Auckland only.  We were met at Christchurch and were taken to and from Timaru by car.  We must thank Jenny and Jeff Long for their hospitality towards us, and their willingness to transport us, complete with three Commissioner's boxes to and from the Exhibition.    

Australian Medal Results

+SP  denotes Special Prize     +Fel  denotes Felicitations