Work on New Zealand’s first-ever Korean Garden has begun at Barry’s Point in Takapuna thanks to the ongoing support of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and the hard work of the North Shore’s Korean community and local stakeholders.
Work began on January 16 on stage one of the build, which will include a war memorial acknowledging Korean and New Zealand veterans of the Korean War. Construction is planned to be completed by May this year.
“This will be such a welcome asset for residents in the area that acknowledges the sacrifices made by New Zealand and Korean soldiers in the Korean War while providing cross-cultural educational opportunities and a peaceful space that all Aucklanders can enjoy,” says Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder.
The local board approved designs for the project presented by key architect Paul Lee in 2021. Lee is a member of the Korean Garden Trust, a group of Korean residents and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to create a Korean garden on the North Shore since 2009. The local board has worked closely with the Trust for several years to facilitate the project which has had numerous setbacks in approvals and funding. The board has also contributed $144,200 toward construction costs and will assist the trust with the procurement process for further stages of the build.
The Korean Garden Trust will be responsible for gaining further funding and the ongoing maintenance of the gardens. Later stages of the design will include a pavilion, rotunda, bridge, surrounding walls, amphitheatre, event space, sculpture garden and extended landscaping of the surrounding grounds.
Paul Lee is excited to see this long-standing dream finally become a reality for the North Shore. “Big thanks to the local board for supporting this project since the start. It means so much to me and the Korean community in Auckland to see work on the gardens begin,” he says.
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