New tree might be little girl's memorial

DOUG LAING
A family's disappointment over the likely removal of a tree which has become a shrine to a girl killed by a crash on a Napier reserve almost nine years ago is relieved by an offer to plant a memorial tree in its place.
The option, including a plaque commemorating the death of 3-year-old Teana Wereta Lange, came at an emotional meeting between family, city council staff and deputy mayor Kathy Furlong beside the tree on a Riverbend Road reserve, near Kennedy Park.
The crash happened when a car driven by father Dion Lange careered out of control after he took ill at the wheel on December 13, 1999.
The family had asked for the meeting after being advised through a community police officer, who had been contacted by the council, that the array of toys and other memorial offerings adorning the tree were to be removed and the tree cut down.
They didn't want the tree removed, explaining how it had become even more important to them because of difficult access to the girl's grave on a bank at Western Hills.
Council reserves manager Tony Billing told the girl's aunts, cousins and grandmother that the aged tree couldn't last forever. Covered by toys and other items almost ever since the tragedy, it had also at least twice been damaged by fire.
Mrs Furlong suggested that everyone take a "step back" and consider the options, among which would be planting a memorial tree.
Today, the child's aunt, Kelly Lange, said family members had been upset by the way they learned of the plans, but were satisfied with the option.
Mrs Furlong said today there was "no rush," although the ultimate decision would be in the hands of the council chief executive.