Devonport remembers... in ways old, and new

Devonport's favourite sons and daughters will have their names preserved on-line as part of a memorial project combining the old and the new.

And later, some of their names will be cast in metal or etched in stone as a permanent record of their lives and deeds.

A pathway through the Mt Cambria Gardens will be lined with the specially commissioned plaques in memory of those who have had a strong association with Devonport, says North Shore City's deputy mayor, Dianne Hale.

Set among native plantings, the plaques will bear the names and details of prominent local people who have died since 1986, the year of Devonport's centenary.

"The gardens are a beautiful setting and absolutely ideal for this project," says Councillor Hale.

Already 21 names of prominent Devonport residents have been submitted to the group of local residents formed to capture and collate the data, and further applications are sought. They should be addressed to the Devonport Community Board, care of North Shore City Council, Private Bag 93 500, Takapuna.

The names will also form the basis of an on-line database, where short biographies will be available to the public. (The database, however, will not be restricted to those who have died since 1986.)

Dianne Hale says the project is the first of its kind in North Shore City.

"It's a permanent and public recognition of a group of people who have a special place in our local history," she says.

A sub-committee will be responsible for administering the scheme comprising council community services and parks staff, a representative of the Devonport Community Board and additional community representatives.

"Anyone can nominate a family member or friend but the final decision on memorial candidates will be made by our Devonport Community Board," says Councillor Hale.

The on-line database featuring the 21 names is already up and running, and the first of the selected plaques should be installed in October next year. It is expected that the garden space will be filled in 40 to 50 years' time.

"We're developing the project as a feature of the Devonport community, and as an attraction for local residents and visitors too," says Councillor Hale.

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