30 June 2000

UNIQUE WESTERN SPRINGS MEMORIAL GETS COUNCIL APPROVAL

A tranquil memorial for those whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS will be created next to the Kanuka Grove in Western Springs Lakeside Park, Auckland City’s Parks and recreation committee has decided.

The site is favoured by The New Zealand Circle of Friends, which has been working toward establishing a national memorial in the park for several years.

Spokesman Jonathan Smith says the group is absolutely delighted with Auckland City’s decision to allow the memorial to be built in a quiet space suitable for contemplation and meditation.

“The site we’ve got is the site we want,” he said. “We are all feeling quite emotional that ours will be the only memorial Circle of Friends outside the United States.”

Deputy Mayor Dr Bruce Hucker successfully argued for the Kanuka Grove site ahead of a staff recommendation that the memorial should be located nearer Motions Road.

“I’m delighted to have been able to help the Circle of Friends,” he said. “The memorial needs to be a restful place removed from traffic noise and the hustle and bustle of life.
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“The site near Kanuka grove will provide a place of solace where anyone can go to heal, hope and remember. It will become an important place for all people who need the benefit of quiet reflection.”

Mr Smith said the Circle of Friends trustees would meet on site this weekend to start detailed planning for the memorial which will incorporate a garden where the names of those whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS may be engraved at the instigation of partners, family and friends.

ENDS

For more information, please contact
Dr Bruce Hucker
Telephone: 025 722 294 or 373 7599 ext 8648
The New Zealand Circle of Friends
Telephone 025 222 5516

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