After many years of faithful service, our current gardening volunteers have indicated that they can no longer continue to work in the graveyard from next month. Juilan Dent has been looking after the graveyard since 2008 and has transformed it through his dedicated labour. The book “What Julian Did” at the back of the church shows his work in the early years.

Julian Moran has been working in the graveyard since 2022, after Radio New Zealand published a story about the graveyard—see https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/467741/i-respect-these-people-who-are-buried-here-graveyards-call-out-for-volunteers

These two Julians have worked continually to keep the graveyard in the beautiful condition it is in today. Over the years there were other volunteers. Chris Emeleus worked in the graveyard for a long time. Jacinda tackled many areas with enthusiasm and left the dog garden ornament (no, there’s no dog buried here). Mike Dwan trimmed the edges diligently over many years. It was partly Mike’s departure that caused the gardeners to consider retiring. The gardeners stated that they would prefer not to do the job at all, rather than do it in a more limited way and see the grounds slip into an untidy state.

Indeed, without those dedicated volunteers the grounds will no longer be the same. Visitors frequently point out that they appreciate the graveyard and beautiful surroundings. Therefore, Vestry decided that at least some effort should be made to keep the grounds presentable. One of the ways of doing that is reducing the labour requirements for some routine tasks. Mowing can largely be automated, even among the fiddly parts of the graveyard. Last year we had a demonstration of a robot mower in the graveyard. Vestry thought a continuous trial would be appropriate. A smaller robot mower would cost $3,000. To have robots dealing with all lawn mowing in the graveyard, an additional larger mower for $7,000 would be required. These robot mowers would also reduce operational costs for the Parish. Edge trimming and possibly some limited mowing would still be required. At the vicarage we have had a very basic robot mower since 2020. It mulches the grass and leaves, so that very little lawn care is required.

Vestry has decided to appeal to parishioners to fund the purchase cost for the smaller mower. We can then consider whether to convert to robot mowing for the whole graveyard.

But the graveyard will need more care than just lawn mowing. There will be ways to reduce the regular work needed. We are also looking at recruiting and retaining volunteers to help with the grounds. It may also be possible to have groups in for working bees. Any tips and help would be greatly appreciated.

We have enjoyed beautiful grounds around the church for many years. Thanks to all the gardeners who have cared for the grounds for so long.