A living memorial of kahikatea-dominant mixed plantings and mountain flaxes will be established on land bordering Te Karamū Stream and Te Ara Kahikatea to the west of Whakatu to honour the life of Desma Kemp Ratima (Des), ONZM, JP.
Des, who passed away in August 2021, was widely recognised as the de facto mayor of Whakatu. He was a passionate grassroots leader for Hawke’s Bay Māori, and for the environment, and wrote many a column for BayBuzz.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chief executive James Palmer says Des was a passionate advocate of the taiao and a towering pou of our community, especially in his kainga Whakatu. “It is fitting that he will be remembered by these towering giants that will grow at this site for us and future generations to enjoy and be inspired by.”
Des championed wellbeing and resilience for the environment and communities, and was a founding member of Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay, which has initiated the Memorial.
In part funded by the Te Uru Rākau, NZ Forest Service’s Matariki Tu Rākau programme, the Memorial is also supported by local organisations including Hastings District Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, QEII Trust, environmental contractor Habitat BPM, and local forest restoration company Fresh Air Forests.
Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay general manager, Debbie Monahan, welcomed funding received for the project and hopes the planting next year “will be an inclusive community event that welcomes the many different parts of the community that Des touched”.
Plants chosen for the Memorial will form blocks of colour including white kakabeak and kowhai to surround an existing pou designed by artist Chris Bryant Toi. The overall effect will harmonise with the plantings at nearby Hawea Historical Park.
Matariki Tu Rākau is a partnership between Te Uru Rākau New Zealand Forest Service and communities to plant native trees to recognise the service of New Zealanders who have made a significant difference in their community or field of work. It funds larger tree species (those growing over 5m) with the aim of improving biodiversity, capturing carbon emissions, and improving and protecting our soil, water quality and other natural resources.
Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay will project manage establishment of the Memorial, starting with a project plan focusing on the planting event next year. If you’d like to get involved or provide sponsorship towards additional plants, contact , Dr Belinda Sleight at community@biodiversityhb.nz.
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
Thank you so much for honouring Des. He has touched so many lives and his huge contribution to many communities will not be forgotten. Thank you