THE NEW ZEALAND GARDEN
In order to honour the 23 New Zealand aviators who died during World War II who are buried in Stonefall Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, the city of Harrogate created the New Zealand garden within Harrogate's beautiful Valley Gardens. Created in 1953 when the twinning between Wellington and Harrogate was initiated, plants were gifted from Wellington. Grown in New Zealand and shipped to England, some of these plants and trees still remain today.
With time and weather taking its toll on the garden, the Friends of Valley Gardens decided that it was time to refurbish the garden, again with the help of plants that were donated from New Zealand. In 2010, A delegation came from Wellington City Council for the event and brought with them a magnificent Pou Whenua carving that had been gifted by the city of Wellington.
The ceremony of "Rededication of the New Zealand Garden" took place on Thursday 12th August at 4.30pm. In attendance was Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, the Cultural Wellbeing Portfolio Leader representing the Wellington City Council, and Kaumatua Sam and June Jackson, representing Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust. Both spoke at the gifting and unveiling ceremony of the pou whenua that had been created by master crafted Rangi Hetet. Also in attendance was Harrogate Mayor Bill Hoult.
Kamatua Sam Jackson gives a speech, holding the tokotoko - talking stick and giving a Maori blessing. Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer also gave a speech as Wellington Councillor.
The Pou Whenua... gifted by
Wellington City Council.
On Saturday 22nd April 2023, the New Zealand Garden, once again in need of refurbishment, due to wear and tear on the wooden structures and the need for more plants. Kate Spencer reached out to the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Wellington City Council. Both came to the aid of the garden. Wellington City Council donated funds for a bench to be made and the Royal New Zealand Air Force provided a native bush and a plaque. H.I.P. were supported by generous donations that saw a stone Pikoura sculpture erected in the garden, (thanks to Virginia Patridge), donations from the Sissons family who had designed the 2010 garden and other kind
donors. The ceremony was held in the afternoon before the ANZAC
ceremony that took place the following day on Sunday 23rd April at
Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate.
The Pikoura was donated by Virginia Partridge
Flight Lieutenant Dan Channon gave a speech on behalf of the RNZAF. He stands beside the bench donated by Wellington City Council.
The Friends of the Valley Gardens Harrogate and Harrogate International Partnerships care for the New Zealand Garden.
