Tauranga City’s Yatton Park, Tutarawānanga, is set to become a sea of yellow later this year in honour of Daffodil Day.

The Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty has teamed up with EVES Real Estate and Tauranga City Council to create a special memory meadow for people affected by cancer and their whānau.

During winter months there will be a densely planted field of daffodils growing in Yatton Park.

The flowers are set to bloom in time for Daffodil Day at the end of August and residents are encouraged to contribute by buying daffodil bulbs, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty.

Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty CEO Helen Carter said the Memory Meadow in Tauranga will be a very special destination “which people can visit to remember a loved one or to honour the journey they’ve been on”.

With a target of 10,000 bulbs, the Memory Meadow will make for a spectacular display in spring but is reliant on community contributions to make the magic happen, Carter said.

“The more bulbs that are purchased, the more the Cancer Society can do for people in our community.”

Bulbs can be purchased online, with the option of also participating in a community planting event on Saturday, May 10, 1pm at Yatton Park where bulbs will also be available on-site for purchase.

Spokesperson Vicki Semple said EVES is thrilled to be the principal sponsor of Memory Meadow to help create a permanent space – a legacy of sorts – “for people in our community who have been affected by cancer.”

“I encourage others to get behind this initiative to help the Cancer Society Waikato/BOP continue to provide those crucial services, especially as cancer rates continue to rise across New Zealand.”

This initiative is supported by Tauranga City Council, which has provided the bulbs, park space and support with the planting event

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way – either directly or indirectly.

“We’re proud to be able to support this special cause – it’s a wonderful way to bring the community together in support.”

To purchase bulbs for the Memory Meadow, visit: www.bit.ly/memorymeadowstauranga