Plans for a memorial garden to recognise the unmarked graves in Pukekohe Cemetery have been released for public comment.
The plans have been prepared by Kohae, a Christchurch-based company with whānau ties to Ngāti Tamaoho and the area, at the request of the Pukekohe Cemetery Committee.
Franklin Local Board chair Alan Cole, one of the board’s representatives on the committee it established to ensure the memorial could be built, says the proposal reflects what the community asked for.
“The plans have been accepted by the board and the committee, and sending them out to the public will assure people they were listened to, and allow them further opportunity for comment.
“It’s a very detailed proposal that reflects the sensitivity needed yet references touchstones for mana whenua and iwi. Special care has been taken to create an inclusive space that all can use and reflect in, one of the things those involved in earlier consultation most asked for,” he says.
The garden's design also proposes a sculptural wall, where whānau can place tohu maumahara (names or symbols of remembrance). This is designed to encourage touch and connection.
The memorial will honour those who rest in unmarked graves, many of them Māori babies and children and the plan has been shaped by earlier community engagement.
Key features include creating a waharoa entrance from Ward Street, a pathway that protects the graves and guides visitors respectfully through the space, widespread planting using shallow rooted plants to protect the sanctity of the graves while encouraging bird and insect life, wider tree-planting for shelter and ecological reasons, and a sculptural wall where whānau can place tohu maumahara (names or symbols of remembrance).
Provision has also been made to screen existing power boxes near the side as part of the work.
Whānau will be able to enter Pukekohe Memorial Garden through an entrance from Ward Street with covered seating, access to water (Te Wai o Rongo) and a place to gather before entering.
The latest round of consultation seeks feedback on the draft design.
Chair Cole says the committee members want to understand people’s reaction to the design.
“What parts seem meaningful? Does it create the space for reflection so many asked for? Is it inclusive? There are no right or wrong answers but feedback will tell us if we have captured what people have asked for.”
Have your say from Wednesday 1-29 April by completing the online form at AK Have Your Say, by completing, scanning and emailing: pukekohecemeterymemorial@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or by post:
Franklin Local Board
Pukekohe Cemetery Memorial Concept Design
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street
West Auckland 1142.
In person events are also being held, the first on Sunday, 12 April from 1-3pm at Ngā Hau E Whaa Marae o Pukekohe, 88 Beatty Road in Pukekohe; with a community event scheduled for Wednesday, 15 April from 6-8pm upstairs at Franklin: The Centre, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe.
An online hui will be held on Wednesday, 22 April from 8-9pm. Registration details will follow.
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