Living memorial for community leader Des Ratima, ONZM

A living memorial consisting of native trees, shrubs and flaxes will be established to honour and celebrate the life of Desma Kemp Ratima (Des), ONZM, JP, who passed away in August 2021.

The project, initiated by Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay, will be part-funded by the Te Uru Rākau NZ Forest Service’s Matariki Tu Rākau programme with support from 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.

A prominent site bordering Te Karamū Stream and Te Ara Kahikatea to the west of Whakatu was chosen by Des’s wife Evelyn for the memorial. The plants chosen will form blocks of colour including white kakabeak and kowhai to surround an existing pou designed by artist Chris Bryant Toi, and kahikatea- dominant mixed plantings and mountain flaxes to round out the scheme, providing an overall effect that harmonises with the plantings at nearby Hawea Historical Park.  

It’s a fitting memorial for Des, who championed wellbeing and resilience for the environment and Hawke’s Bay’s communities. “Des would love this," says Evelyn. “He was very passionate about planting natives.” A community event to plant the site is planned for mid-2023 and there will be a warm welcome to everyone who wishes to help.

Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay general manager, Debbie Monahan, welcomed the funding received for the project, noting that a living memorial was an appropriate way to honour Des, a founding member of Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay.

“Des’s reputation and life’s work touched so many people, meaning there are plenty of people and organisations willing to help. We want to make the planting next year an inclusive community event that welcomes the many different parts of the community that Des touched,” says Ms Monahan.

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.

The initiative has gained strong support from local leaders, many of whom he assisted to build connections across the community. “Des made an extraordinary contribution to civic affairs over several decades, especially enhancing and guiding the relationship between councils and mana whenua, and so we are incredibly grateful to him,” says Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chief executive officer James Palmer.

“He was a passionate advocate of the taiao and a towering pou of our community, especially in his kainga Whakatu, and so 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.”

Ann Redstone, councillor, Hastings District Council, is fully supportive of the initiative. “This is a wonderful tribute to Des and the work he did as a founding member and ongoing supporter of Biodiversity HB. Des was a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to improve the environment and the lives of people around him. I’m looking forward to helping to plant this very well-deserved Living Memorial.” says Councillor Redstone.

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, please get in touch with Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay’s Community Facilitator, Dr Belinda Sleight on community@biodiversityhb.nz.

11 November 2022

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