Have you noticed the trees on the northern face of the Totara Memorial Park Cemetery? The ground is very steep and needs to be carefully negotiated, as there are many ruts and possible rabbit holes on the descent! From the carpark by the Work sheds, the area is accessible down the concrete path that disects the first and oldest part of the RSA block at the cemetery. This is the area where the majority of World War One Vets are interred.
A descriptive board has been placed above the tree plantings which explains the significance of the trees.
The plaque above reads:
"A national project to establish stands of trees across Aotearoa New Zealand, Planted by communities as places to reflect on the service of local members of the New Zealand Defence Force, past and present.
These trees were planted on 21 September, 2018 with the support of Thames Rotary, Thames RSA and Thames Coromandel District Council.
330 trees were provided by Te Uru Rakau - Forestry New Zealand.
Matariki Tu Rakau began in 2018, the 100th year after World War One."
Further Reading:
Background on the programme of Remembrance
