Home show offers DIY know-how
Hamilton’s $70 million Claudelands Events Centre is a hive of activity this week. More than 80 tonnes of sand has been delivered along with two kilometres of wall partitions and a 12 metre container of electrical leads and lighting.
As well as the dozens of people trucking, assembling and organising the transformation, a dozen men are installing a massive 750 square metre marquee pavilion.
On site also, fresh from success in the television series The Block, former Matamata landscape designer Richard Boobyer is getting ready to compete again.
Partner of Sarah in the popular series, this time he’s on his own, competing for the top place in the prestigious NZ Landscape Designer Awards, hosted for the 20th successive year at the Waikato Home & Garden Show.
One of three professional designers in the running for the award (there’s also a landscape student entry from local polytechnic Wintec), Richard isn’t wasting a moment to translate his design concept into a modern courtyard.
He is not resting on his laurels, aware that he’s up against the award-winning talent of Murray Lye Landscape Design and The Gourmet Gardener.
The NZ Landscape Design Awards will be judged by industry professionals tomorrow, Thursday, the opening day of the four-day event.
A People’s Choice vote will earn two lucky voters a $500 Mitre10 product, courtesy of Classic Hits ZHFM.
The Waikato Home & Garden Show celebrates its 28th year with more than 400 exhibitors, new products available for great Show prices, new release technology for the home, bars and cafes, and entertainment.
Show organiser Graham Hannah said as Waikato was identified this year as the country’s leading DIY region, a major focus is free advice and seminars for building, renovating, and interior and garden design.
A full programme of seminars is available at waikatohome.show. co.nz.
“I would advise visitors to bring their plans and ideas and take their time,’’ he said.
‘‘In addition to six large indoor pavilions and a massive outdoor exhibition plaza with more than 400 products and services for sale at great prices, it’s a familyfriendly day out with entertainment, great cafes and bars to relax in and more than $100,000 in prizes, including a $30,000 Dream Kitchen and a $70,000 home prize package are also up for grabs.”