Plant a daffodil bulb on Saturday, April 18, at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Supplied
Plant a daffodil bulb on Saturday, April 18, at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Supplied
A sea of yellow is set to bloom in the heart of Mount Maunganui later this year, as Memory Meadows returns to Tauranga for its second year – inviting the community to come together in support of those affected by cancer.
The planting day will take place 10am-1pm on Saturday,April 18, at Maunganui Rd Reserve, where 5000 daffodil bulbs – donated by Tauranga City Council – will be planted in a shared act of remembrance, hope, and generosity.
The initiative is a collaboration between EVES Real Estate, Tauranga City Council and Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
Plant a daffodil bulb on Saturday, April 18 at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Supplied
Members of the public are invited to take part by planting a bulb for a $5 donation, with all funds going directly to the Cancer Society to support vital local services. These include transport to treatment, accommodation assistance, counselling and support groups for those navigating a cancer diagnosis.
The garden, located between Zespri and the Mount Library, will flourish in coming months and is expected to be in full bloom leading into Daffodil Day on August 28.
Organisers say the event is about more than fundraising – it’s about creating a space where people can reflect, remember loved ones and stand in solidarity with those facing cancer.
Bay of Plenty EVES general manager Mark Leach planting a daffodil bulb at Yatton Park in 2025. Photo / Supplied
“Memory Meadows is a meaningful way for people to come together,” Bay of Plenty EVES general manager Mark Leach said. “Every bulb planted represents someone’s story. It creates a lasting space for reflection, while also raising vital funds for local Cancer Society services. At EVES Real Estate, we are deeply connected to this community and proud to help bring it to life.”
The inaugural Memory Meadows event was held in 2025 at Yatton Park in Greerton, where 10,000 daffodil bulbs were planted. The event raised $2810 and drew support from volunteers and families across Tauranga.
Daffodils growing in the Yatton Park Memory Meadow. Photo / Supplied
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the event highlights the strength and compassion of the local community.
“Everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly. We’re proud to support this special cause – it’s a wonderful way for people to come together and plant something meaningful,” he said.
With a central Mount Maunganui location and thousands of blooms expected in spring, it’s hoped Memory Meadows 2026 would become both a visual landmark and a place of quiet reflection for the community.
Cancer Society event organiser Hayley Hickey said Memory Meadows is a special event.
“It brings our community together to create something truly beautiful that, over time, will touch so many people in different ways.
“Whether it’s a place to remember a loved one, reflect on a personal journey, or simply watch tamariki frolicking through a meadow of gold, this space is for everyone to enjoy.
“We would love people to come down, bring the whanau, and be part of this unique event, knowing that when August arrives, they helped create something really special for our whole community.”
