Welcome to the Memorial Garden web page.
This page is still awaiting updates from a team member.
The memorial garden on Kōtare Reserve was officially opened on Sunday, 11 October 2020 at 9.00 am
The plaque walls and the historical wall are constructed of rough-sawn timber posts and Corten steel with stainless steel plaques attached.
The Tree of Life sculptural stonewall was completed in the garden by stonemason Mark Urlich in May 2020, following the 5-week lockdown of the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The garden is an historical timeline of the life of the Hahei community. Story boards of the history of Ngāti Hei and the Wigmore and Harsant families are displayed in the Garden. Around the garden are memorial walls with plaques in memory of those who have died. Anyone can place a plaque for someone who has been a part of the life of Hahei by having been a resident, a holiday homeowner or someone who has had a connection with Hahei. As well as being a place for remembering and quiet contemplation, the memorial garden is also the venue for the annual Hahei Anzac Ceremony on April 25th. Our local war heroes are remembered with named crosses, and a designated war memorial is proposed.
Started by the Trustees of the Memorial Garden, the garden is now organised and run by the Hahei Residents and Ratepayers Association.
You can scroll though the images above by clicking on the left or right arrows
The Concept Of Our Memorial Garden
For many years the Council’s Reserves Management Plan for Hahei has had a designation for a Memorial Garden in Kotare Reserve.
The Memorial Garden has received support from the Thames Coromandel District Council and local Iwi and the land was blessed by Joe Davis, Kaumatua of Ngati Hei on 4 November 2017.
People who live in, or have an affiliation with Hahei, have been involved in the concept plans, plaque design and manufacture, artists’ illustrations, construction and ongoing maintenance.
Information on plaque placement and historical records will be held in the Hahei Library and the Mercury Bay Museum, Whitianga.
This Garden has been designed for anyone to place a plaque in memory of family or friends. It has an atmosphere of quiet beauty where Hahei residents, property owners and visitors from around New Zealand and the world can contemplate and reflect. The Trustees hope you will take time to visit the Garden and enjoy its historical content and peaceful ambience.
Continuing History
We have collated a database of deceased persons of the Hahei community whose family or friends may wish to have them remembered in the Garden.
If you know of anyone who may be interested, please contact Trustee Kay Harrison on 021 160 7213 or click here to email Kay