A rural Auckland cemetery is poised to develop into a site of remembrance and reconciliation, as plans for a memorial to honor hundreds of unmarked graves – many belonging to Māori infants and children – move forward. The project, years in the making, stems from a growing awareness of historical injustices faced by the Māori community in Pukekohe and a desire to provide dignity and recognition to those whose final resting places were long forgotten.
The impetus for the memorial gained momentum following the publication of Dr. Robert Bartholomew’s 2020 book, No Māori Allowed, which detailed systemic racism in the Pukekohe area. The book, and the subsequent documentary Reikura Kahi, brought to light a period from the 1920s to the early 1960s where Māori residents faced widespread discrimination, including exclusion from public spaces like toilets, cinemas, and even public transportation. This history of marginalization extended to healthcare and burial practices, resulting in the unmarked graves at Pukekohe Cemetery.
Approximately 200 unmarked graves are believed to exist within the cemetery grounds, representing children who succumbed to diseases such as measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. The lack of markers reflects not only the limited resources available to Māori families at the time, but also the prevailing societal attitudes that devalued Māori lives. The project aims to address this historical wrong and offer a space for healing and remembrance for descendants and the wider community.
Acknowledging a Painful Past
On Tuesday, the Pukekohe Cemetery Committee approved a concept design for the memorial, developed by Kohae Limited, a Māori-led design practice. The design will now undergo a four-week public consultation period in April, allowing community members to provide feedback before a final design is approved mid-year. The project is being funded with $500,000 from the council’s regional Māori Outcomes Fund, demonstrating a commitment to addressing historical inequities.
Alistair Toto (Ngati Tamaoho), an architect with Kohae Limited, described the project as a deeply significant undertaking. “It’s a lot of responsibility, it’s not a thing you take lightly,” Toto said, as reported by 1News. “There’s a lot of expectation and responsibility to advance the kaupapa towards a positive outcome.” Toto, who grew up in Pukekohe North and has whakapapa (genealogical connections) to individuals buried in the cemetery, emphasized the importance of honoring the lives of those interred there.
Design and Community Input
The proposed design, according to reports, incorporates natural elements, planting, and passive design principles to create a contemplative and respectful space. Key features include a sculptural wall and a seating area designed to encourage reflection and connection. The intention is to create a memorial that acknowledges the presence of those buried in unmarked graves, offering them a sense of dignity and remembrance. The design also prioritizes respecting the existing landscape and other burial areas within the cemetery.
The Pukekohe Cemetery Committee has emphasized the importance of community involvement in the design process. Extensive consultation with families affected by the unmarked graves has already taken place, ensuring that their wishes and perspectives are central to the memorial’s development. The upcoming public consultation will provide a further opportunity for the wider community to contribute their thoughts and ideas.
A Broader Context of Historical Injustice
The need for this memorial is rooted in a painful history of discrimination against Māori in Pukekohe. As detailed in Bartholomew’s book and the Reikura Kahi documentary, Māori residents faced systemic barriers to full participation in society for decades. These included being barred from public facilities, segregated in public spaces, and denied access to education. The unmarked graves are a stark reminder of the consequences of this discrimination, particularly the disproportionate impact on Māori children.
The memorial project is not simply about commemorating the past; it is also about acknowledging the ongoing effects of historical trauma and working towards a more just and equitable future. By providing a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection, the project aims to foster healing and reconciliation within the community. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address historical injustices and promote Māori well-being in the Franklin region.
Following the public consultation period, the Pukekohe Cemetery Committee will review the feedback received and finalize the design. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated in 2025. Updates on the project’s progress will be available through the Franklin Local Board website and local news outlets. The creation of this memorial represents a significant step towards acknowledging a painful past and building a more inclusive future for the Pukekohe community.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of historical trauma, resources are available. You can find support and information through the New Zealand government’s mental health and wellbeing resources.
We encourage you to share this story and join the conversation about remembrance, reconciliation, and the importance of acknowledging our shared history.
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