Hamilton's Memory Meadow is a space for people to honor their loved ones affected by cancer. Photo / Malisha Kumar
Hamilton's Memory Meadow is a space for people to honor their loved ones affected by cancer. Photo / Malisha Kumar
Two Waikato parks have been transformed into a sea of yellow for Daffodil Day, with many visiting the “memory meadows” to honour their loved ones affected by cancer.
The bulbs have now blossomed into bright yellow flowers.
The initiative for the memory meadows came from the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty, which teamed up with Hamilton City Council and Lodge Real Estate to turn it into reality.
Lodge Real Estate’s marketing manager Kevin Walker said the initiative was important to him.
His mother is a cancer survivor and one of his closest friends, sadly, lost the battle against the disease.
“One of my best mates Jared, he was my football coach ... he was diagnosed with a very rare cancer behind his eye ... he beat it the first time round,” he said.
The Hamilton Memory Meadow at Hinemoa Park is in full bloom. Photo / Malisha Kumar
“Jared sadly passed away a couple of years ago and he left behind four beautiful young kids and his wife.”
“The idea of the daffodil is a symbol of hope. It’s about enduring a tough winter and all the ups and downs during it. Spring is the symbol of hope that pops up after winter, and it gives it meaningfulness.”
Walker said in addition to Hamilton and Te Awamutu, other areas also want to join the initiative.
“Matamata got on board with a memory meadow and planted 500 bulbs this year, and areas like Rotorua and Tauranga are looking to do it next year.
“We always start small and hope that it grows bigger and bigger.”
