Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, June 21, 2024
National Volunteer Week (Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu) is being celebrated across New Zealand from June 16 to June 24, 2024. This week-long event is dedicated to recognising the collective energies and mana of the more than one million volunteers who contribute their time and efforts to enrich communities throughout the nation. This year’s theme, “Whiria te tangata – Weave the people together,” underscores the integral role of volunteering in fostering a connected and thriving society.
Celebrating Decades of Commitment
As part of this national celebration, Hamilton Gardens is particularly proud to mark three decades of exceptional contributions from the Friends of Hamilton Gardens, a group of dedicated volunteers whose unwavering support has significantly enhanced the gardens’ beauty and accessibility.
In August 2024, the Friends of Hamilton Gardens will celebrate their 30th anniversary, reflecting on a rich history of volunteerism that has profoundly impacted the Gardens. Over these three decades, the Friends have raised more than $3.5 million, directly supporting various developmental and improvement projects within the Gardens. In the past year alone, their fundraising efforts amounted to $130,000, facilitating the development of new attractions such as the Medieval Garden.
Hamilton Gardens Director Lucy Ryan praised the indispensable relationship between the Gardens and the Friends. “Their dedication has greatly improved our gardens and community. We sincerely appreciate their ongoing partnership and hard work. Thanks to our volunteers, our Gardens have become a gem in the Waikato and a world-class visitor attraction.”
Community Spirit and Volunteer Roles
The Friends of Hamilton Gardens contribute in numerous capacities, from staffing the Information Centre to assisting with events like the Medieval Festival and Kite Day. A dedicated group of gardeners cultivates plants for monthly sales, while other volunteers welcome visitors, provide advice, and help with wayfinding and accessibility.
Marilyn Yeoman, a longstanding member of the Friends, emphasised the personal rewards of volunteering. “What I get out from being a volunteer? A sense of community but also meeting many people from overseas. And these days it is not uncommon to have people say the sole reason they have come to New Zealand is to see the Hamilton Gardens. We had a guy from Liechtenstein who was a landscape gardener who had brought his family especially to see these wonderful gardens.”
Tributes and Legacy
Carol Webb, Vice-President of the Friends of Hamilton Gardens, reflected on the deep-rooted community involvement in the Gardens’ history. “It was community people who got together to make former Gardens director, Dr Peter Sergel’s dream come true. Ever since then, local people have donated their money, their time, and their energy to help the gardens grow. I think the community feels like the gardens are part of them, and thanks to them, the gardens are what they are.”
Ms Webb also paid tribute to the late Rena Williams, a longstanding member who passed away on May 8, 2024, after years of dedicated service. “Rena ran the roster for 30 years. If there was a gap in the roster, she was one who would fill it herself. She said the Gardens was her happy place. She is sadly missed and was a much-loved member of the community.”
Ms Williams was recognised as a runner-up in the Volunteering Waikato Long Service Award at the Volunteer Excellence Awards in 2021, highlighting her as a tireless volunteer and a community hero.
National Volunteer Week and the Future of Volunteering
National Volunteer Week, led by Tūao Aotearoa-Volunteering New Zealand, aims to celebrate and honour the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the country. The event’s theme, “Whiria te tangata – Weave the people together,” emphasises the importance of volunteering in building strong, connected communities.
“Our aspiration is that volunteering is valued as part of who we are as a nation. We thrive and are enriched by the goodwill of volunteers in every community, and their contribution and impact is recognised and supported,” said the organizers.
The Friends of Hamilton Gardens Inc., a registered charity, continue to play a key role in promoting the use and enjoyment of Hamilton Gardens, holding regular events and engaging with both local and international visitors.
Their ongoing support and contributions have been instrumental in the Gardens’ growth and development, ensuring its status as a cherished community asset and a world-class destination.
As Volunteer Week continues, it offers a chance for everyone to acknowledge and thank the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to making places like Hamilton Gardens flourish. The celebration of these volunteers highlights the essential role they play in nurturing and enhancing communities across New Zealand.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
