Saturday, February 28, 2009
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure as Mayor and also a member of the Hutt Valley District Health Board to be here for this very special occasion as we celebrate the opening of the Frederic & Margaret Wallis Labyrinth.
When the Labyrinth was first proposed in 1997, the aims of the Frederic Wallis House committee were to create a tool for prayer and meditation, a work of art which enhanced the beauty of the garden, and a project which everyone could participate in.
Today it continues to fulfil those original aims, albeit in a new location here in the grounds of Hutt Hospital.
The only prayer labyrinth in New Zealand, it is a place of peace, tranquillity and quiet reflection. It is my belief that people heal better in an environment that is calming.
As well as lifting people’s spirits, it creates a striking focal point for the hospital entrance and surrounding gardens that is more welcoming and interesting to look at.
The Labyrinth adds so much to the hospital and to the community, and I am delighted it could be saved.
It is symbolic of the community and the hospital coming together for the betterment of the Hutt Valley.
I would like to applaud the efforts of all the volunteers who have helped with the relocation and those that have contributed in other ways. Thank you on behalf of the city.
I also wish to express my gratitude to the Frederic Wallis Trust, for bestowing this treasure to the city and the hospital.
It will be enjoyed and cherished by the wider community, especially the patients, families and staff of the hospital.
It now gives me great pleasure to accept the Labyrinth on behalf of the Hutt community.
Thank you.