Peaceful spot for reverie

Hawke's Bay Regional Council employee and CanTeen volunteer Anthony Gouder with CanTeen patient member Harmony Te Meihana, CanTeen youth worker Kerrie Waby and HBRC manager Stephen Cave. Photo / Paul Taylor

To passers-by a wooden table and bench seat at Pekapeka wetlands is just that - for members of CanTeen it means much more.

A project to install the limestone path, planting and a reflection area was undertaken by Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

The site was previously identified as a great spot for a rest area and has been "kept up our sleeves" for a request such as this, HBRC's Anthony Gouder said.

An avid supporter of CanTeen and one of their loyal volunteers, Mr Gouder set up fundraising opportunities through bake sales, shaving his own head and street collections.

The charity's main aim is to ensure no 13- to 24-year-old will ever fight cancer alone, by supporting them when the disease turns their world upside down.

"[Anthony] has been so well supported by HBRC where he works they decided to jump on board and help too," CanTeen youth worker Kerrie Waby said.

"As our relationship has grown they approached us about wanting to do more for our members and, after hearing about our National Reflection day, they thought they may be able to dedicate a spot for us to do this all year round - a place to relax and recuperate as well as a place to have fun."

Members and their families will now have a designated place to be outside and reflect on their individual journeys.

Pekapeka will also be used for a National Reflection day where all CanTeen members come together to look back - remember friends, family and share hopes for the future.

CanTeen member Awhina Hungahunga was among a group that visited the wetlands to determine where seating should be installed. She felt the area was perfect as it was not only beautiful but peaceful.

"Every member who has been through this surreal journey, whether it be a patient, sibling, parents, friends and family, can come here and feel a sense of belonging," Miss Hungahunga said.

"Because I am ageing out of CanTeen, I know there's a place I can come to feel the sense of nature, enjoy the views ... a sense of peace and harmony and honestly know that I was a part of something huge and life-changing."