3 April 2001

Turning Point 2000 At Its End

Turning Point 2000, the organisation that managed nearly 30 major events and projects to celebrate and commemorate the Millennium and Canterbury’s 150th anniversary, will cease to exist at the end of the week.

The organisation was formed in 1995 with 14 advisory groups set up to develop events and projects in different areas of interest. Nearly 300 community leaders and experts volunteered about 40,000 hours over four years.

Turning Point 2000 also raised more than $4 million for its projects, including a grant of $1.48 million from the Community Trust. The Christchurch City Council provided about $1.5 million for core funding over five years.

The funds went towards the many and varied projects and events. They included the 150th anniversary celebrations and The Children’s Millennium Games. Projects such as the Sister Cities’ Gardens and many restoration and conservation projects on the Port Hills are some that will provide a legacy for future generations.

Other initiatives were the Dawn 2000 Sunrise Breakfast, Art 2000’s installation of Tapestry 2000 in the Christchurch Town Hall, Enjoying the Port HIlls by Publications and Port Hills 2000, and many more.

The Canterbury 150th anniversary events, other events and projects are recorded in the free colour booklet, Looking Back - Looking Forward, available from Council offices and libraries. The booklet is a memento of Turning Point 2000 events.

Still to come are Chalice, the Neil Dawson sculpture to be placed in Cathedral Square and Rural Canterbury: Celebrating Its History will be published later this month.
The Sister Cities’ Gardens, Canterbury Highway 2000 and Sport 2000’s Archive Project will continue to develop over the next few years.

Turning Point 2000’s chairman, Ian Leggat, says: “It will leave behind rich memories and tangible treasures. It has shown what our city and province can achieve when people share their talents and their strengths for a common purpose.”

Turning Point 2000’s chief executive, Rae Finlay, says what makes Christchurch great is the people. The 3000 people who dedicated so much time and enthusiasm to the events and projects are truly the cream of the crop. These people came together for four years and gave their knowledge, vision and passion.”

Tonight, from 5.30pm, a civic function will be held at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of the board of Turning Point 2000 and its advisory groups.

Further information:
Rae Finlay, Chief Executive: 025 542 000 or 03 941 6346.