In 2024 Taranaki Women’s Refuge turned 40. To mark the occasion a Kowhai Tree and plaque were erected in Pukekura Park. Below is the speech given by BOT Chair Kath Hooper at the presentation.
The golden Kowhai is a symbol of Healing and Hope.
Healing – because of the medicinal properties in the leaves, flowers, sap and bark of the tree which are used in traditional Maori medicine.
Hope – for the beautiful yellow flowers, which come out in early spring and brighten us up after a long dark winter.
Healing and hope of course are the two things that the refuge movement are all about, so it is only fitting that the Kowhai is the emblem of Women’s Refuge.
Taranaki Women’s Refuge began in December 1984.
The first Kowhai we planted was planted on the grounds of the Womens Centre in 1988, to mark the start of Women’s Refuge Awareness Week. This was significant in the 1980’s. I am unsure if this tree is still there but it would be close to 40 years old now!
In 2004, a Kowhai was planted on the grounds of Marsland Hill, to celebrate our 20th birthday, and I will be going on an adventure to find this one! It is only fitting that we have planted a Kowhai in Pukekura Park to mark our 40th birthday.
Thank you to the staff, volunteers of Taranaki Womens Refuge who are doing the important Mahi for our community.
Occasions like this also give us time to reflect and honour those that have been before us, and who have made what we do possible. We also acknowledge those who will come after us – our work is never done, and will be needed in our community for many many years to come.
Thank you to Morgan(BOT Member) for making this happen, and the NPDC for planting our tree, and honouring TWR in this way.
