Aroha says it with Flowers

A creative mind, a pair of scissors, and a flair for flowers has helped guide a Marlborough woman to the title of best apprentice florist in New Zealand and the chance to compete for an international title in London.

Pink Poppie Design Florist apprentice Aroha Hebberd, 20, of Springlands, Blenheim, fought off competition from four other competitors at the World New Zealand Skills Competition in Christchurch on Friday and Saturday.

The win books Miss Hebberd a place in the World International Skills Competition to compete against people from about 25 other countries, in London, England, in October neat year.

Talking to The Marlborough Express Miss Hebberd said she was rapt with the result.

When she flew south late last week she knew she would be designing arrangements for a wedding, but she only discovered she would be working to a 1950s theme when she was briefed on Friday.

She was interviewed by a panel of judges and then on Saturday went hammer and tongs to design a bouquet, shoes, a cake, corsages and button holes to match a lace dress with pearls.

The competition gave her a chance to get her creative juices flowing, she said.

"I love it when I can go crazy and do designer pieces," Miss Hebberd said.

"I like creating things from scratch like building a structure out of sticks and wire, rather than using a ceramic vase."

Miss Hebberd started working part time at Pink Poppie about three years ago before she took up a full-time position.

"I really enjoy working with Nina and the girls. That's what got me into it. Watching what they do is quite amazing."

Pink Poppie owner Nina Stanley said she was very proud of her apprentice.

"She's very passionate about floristry. She's extremely creative, loyal, and a hard worker."

"We like to be on the cutting edge of it (floristry)," Miss Stanley said.

"You've got to be really out of the box. It's bunches of art not bunches of flowers."

The next goal was to get sponsors on board and fundraise to help pay for Miss Hebberd's trip to England next year, she said.

source: 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/4174267/Aroha-says-it-with-flowers