Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
21
Oct 2021
State of Harrogate's New Zealand gardens 'dishonours' airmen
A representative of Harrogate International Partnerships has expressed “disappointment” at the state of the New Zealand gardens in the town and says it “dishonours” the airmen it commemorates.
The section of Valley Gardens commemorates Harrogate’s twinning with Wellington and the country’s airmen being stationed in the town during World War Two.
But, Kate Spencer, who is set to go on an official visit to Wellington to present a gift to the mayor from Harrogate, said she felt nothing had been done to improve the state of the garden.
Last year, sculptures in the garden were damaged by vandals. A private donor later offered £2,000 to replace them.
Read more:
- How can Harrogate achieve a net-zero carbon economy?
- New designs of Harrogate town centre after £10.9m project revealed
- Plans to plant 1,800 trees across Harrogate and Knaresborough
But Ms Spencer, a dual national who is due to visit New Zealand on Sunday for three months, told the Stray Ferret that the current state of the garden “dishonoured” the airmen.
She said:
Ms Spencer added that she was unsure of what her response would be to the Mayor of Wellington if she was asked about the garden.
She said:
The garden dates back to 1954 and chainsaw sculptor Mick Burns carved the Marlin, Kiwi, and bench in 2010.
In response, a spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said:
0