“E kui, e te kuini o Ingarangi, moe mai, moe mai, okioki ai.”
“Revered lady, the queen of England, go well to your place of rest.”
Tauranga City Council
It seemed fitting to take a wander down to Memorial Park this weekend. Tauranga welcomed the Queen here on 9 February 1963, arriving on the Royal yacht Britannia which berthed at Coronation Pier in Mount Maunganui. A reception to honour her visit was held in the same hall [Soundshell – Memorial], I play basketball most weeks.
Snippets of History
Firstly, the Memorial Park area was initially known as “Hawaiki,” and local Kaumātua – Māori elders state this area was used for kumara gardens in the early twentieth century. Perhaps this explains the use of the name “Honolulu Beach” in 1929.
In 1936, the land was purchased from the estate of Eleanor Jordon as part of an attempt by the Tauranga Borough Council to obtain and develop land for public recreation purposes. A portion named “Jordan Field” was used as a camping ground over the summer.
In 1945, the name’ Memorial Park’ was chosen to access the New Zealand Government’s pound-for-pound subsidies for World War II war memorials.
It is not a tiny park, stretching from 7th Ave to 11th Ave, sitting prettily next to the harbour and over 11 hectares. Generations of children have enjoyed the park’s playground, which appears to have opened in the 1950s, which makes Humpty Dumpty, who sits on a wall in Memorial Park, around the same age as me.
Another reason for my walk I was overdue to pay him another visit, which motivated me to head out my door on a Sunday afternoon while the Squire had his usual afternoon sleep. Another delight for the little people is hopping on a train and viewing the park when their energy has been spent.
Toot Toot, hop on the train.
The Tauranga Model and Marine Engineering Club have been running rides at the Memorial Park railway for more than 40 years. Leaving Palmerville Station, trains come and go on Sundays, circling between the trees, through the tunnels and across the viaduct.
It’s a reasonably scenic walk from our home to Memorial Park, made more enjoyable when accompanied by the warmth of the sun and less rain. I tend to do my most productive thinking and conquer most of life’s obstacles with positive self-reinforcement when out walking.
There are plans in the making to have a waterfront walkway from the Strand [City Centre] to Memorial Park, which is approximately 1.6kms away. We shall see as our Council has much to do. In the meantime, the park is a lovely destination for a stroll and viewing the established trees and harbour.
Spring is nearly upon us.
Life at No. 22 
Hi, Suzanne – I join all other commenters when I saw how stunning your photographs are. And that last shot — absolutely breathtaking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like a lovely place. And that last photo is positively stunning. What a lovely composition in a rich red and that soft blue-white.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That last shot is beautiful, and it looks a lovely park generally, with something for everyone. An appropriate place for a walk at this time too I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading this, and the photos, very much, Suzanne. What a beautiful park. I love the last shot with the reflection of that gorgeous tree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such an apt visit
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Derrick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. That’s a nice park. Behind Humpty Dumpty, what’s the structure that looks like a rocket ship?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s an elaborate slide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jo’s right, that last shot is stupendous! What a lovely park. I’m afraid all the TV coverage of the Queen’s passing is quite overwhelming and we still have a week to go before the funeral. I only wish that instead of all those wasted bouquets, that will be simply composted, people would donate a fiver to a charity which would do much more good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Jude. I agree that the coverage is overwhelming and seems to dominate our daily news. I love the idea of celebrating a person’s life, and it has been interesting to see older film reels of her as a child and as a younger woman. Though the press being the press, they tend to dwell on the mundane over and over. The florists’ businesses are blooming. Yes, to donations to charities instead of the compost bins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the flowers serve many purposes. Firstly they probably help the person who gives them with their grief. The grief is very real and I’ve been surprised by the extent of my own grief. They also show the Queen’s family how much she was loved, although they probably knew that, and this, I hope, helps them in their grief. Thirdly, and this has only just occurred to me, they’re a symbol of unity across the country. We’re all dealing with the same thing. Compost also has value.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, for myself I acknowledge everyone’s grief is real. We shared a few tears and perhaps within that is our grief of our own elders that have passed and not just the Queens passing. Most funerals here prefer a donation to the cancer society for example than flowers. A personal preference. Take care, April.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mmm… personally I’m not sure that flowers necessarily help with grief, but each to his or her own. I just think of how many fresh water supplies or cataract operations or hungry children could be fed if everyone gave just £5 to charity instead of the florists. The Queen herself supported many charities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the old news reels have been interesting, and I do like to watch the military parades (probably because my youngest lad is in the Army and once a ‘Gunner’).
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fabulous is that last shot? Take me with you!
I’m not sorry to not be in England right now. HRM was a very special lady and deserves all the accolades, but I really do believe it was time for her to rejoin Philip. 96, for me, is a step too far. God bless and keep her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jo, it is a lovely spot. Yes, I agree it was her time to go. She gave more than most would’ve done. Longevity is grand if you are in good health. Too many loved ones die way before their time which is extremely sad.
LikeLike
🤗💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like a beautiful park and I’m so pleased you chose to visit the park at this very sad time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person