Fields of gold
Memory Meadows spring to life in Te Awamutu
CMemory Meadows is an impactful, visual spectacle, but we’re relying on residents now to make the magic happen and bring this vision to life. Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty CEO Helen Carter
ouncil reserves in the centre of Te Awamutu and Hamilton are set to become seas of yellow later this year thanks to a new joint initiative between the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Lodge Real Estate and councils.
Vibrant new spaces will be created near the inner cities of Hamilton and Te Awamutu to acknowledge those who have been affected by cancer.
Over the winter months, there will be a densely planted field of daffodils growing in Hinemoa Park, on the corner of Rostrevor Street and Seddon Road in Hamilton, and another in Sculpture Park off Albert Park Drive in Te Awamutu, set to bloom in time for Daffodil Day at the end of August.
They will be known as Memory Meadows and are coming to fruition thanks to principal sponsor Lodge Real Estate and Hamilton City and Waipā District Councils, which have made generous donations towards the bulbs and associated costs so far.
Residents are now encouraged to contribute by buying daffodil bulbs, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
With a target of 10,000 bulbs, the Memory Meadows will make for spectacular public displays come spring, but their success is heavily reliant on contributions from members of the public.
Bulbs can be purchased online, with the option of also participating in a community planting event on Sunday, April 7 at Hinemoa Park or Sunday, April 14 at Sculpture Park, where bulbs will be available on-site for purchase.
Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty CEO Helen Carter says the Memory Meadows will be very special destinations within Waikato which people can visit to remember a loved one or to honour the journey they’ve been on.
“The vision for the Memory Meadows is an impactful, visual spectacle, but we’re relying on residents now to make the magic happen and bring this vision to life.
“With 74 people in New Zealand diagnosed with cancer every day, this is an issue that touches us all – some more directly than others.
“The more bulbs purchased, the more Cancer Society can do for the people of our community who are going through the heartbreak of cancer,” she says.
Funds raised from the Memory Meadows will help the Cancer Society provide crucial free services to people with all forms of cancer and their whānau, including emotional and practical support such as accommodation and transportation to and from treatment.
Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan has personal reasons for being supportive of the project.
“Cancer is something that has touched hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders in one way or another,” she says.
“As someone who lost both parents and two grandparents to cancer, I am an avid supporter of the society and the very important work it does.
“They play a crucial role in ensuring both those affected and their families feel supported in what is a very difficult and sad time.
“I think it’s fantastic that people have an opportunity to plant a bulb in the Waipā District in memory of their loved ones while helping raise money for the society to continue its fine work.
“Remembering and highlighting the wide impact various cancers have across our community is absolutely a good thing.
“I will be planting my bulbs as part of this project, and I can’t wait to see a blaze of yellow in the Memory Meadow at Sculpture Park in a few months. There is something special about daffodils - not only are they a sign of spring, but they are also a sign of hope.
“I encourage everyone to get in behind this very special cause and get planting.”
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate says, “I love this! I am happy that the council can support this by providing and maintaining the site at Hinemoa Park, along with contributing daffodils for this special purpose.”
“Come spring, the community will have a beautiful, dedicated space to honour the courageous journeys of those who have battled cancer and to remember their loved ones. Daffodils represent a symbol of hope for all people affected by cancer.”
Principal sponsor Lodge Real Estate is donating $5000 directly towards bulbs, in addition to many other forms of support for the new initiative.
Managing director Jeremy O’Rourke says Lodge has been a proud supporter of the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty for several years.
“Our team get behind Daffodil Day every year, taking to the streets to collect donations and help raise awareness of the outstanding work the Cancer Society does in our community.”
“We’re thrilled to be the principal sponsor of Memory Meadows to help create a permanent space – a legacy of sorts – for people in our community who have been affected by cancer. I encourage others to get behind this initiative to help the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty continue to provide those crucial services, especially as cancer rates continue to rise across New Zealand.”