Late Porirua councillor honoured as new park opened

Tuesday, 20 July 2010

The opening of the Jasmine Underhill Reserve in Aotea on Saturday "marked the end of a very successful project" said Di Sisson, spokesperson for the residential subdivision's developer Carrus.

Despite rainy weather, friends and family of the late Ms Underhill - a former Porirua city councillor and deputy mayor - joined residents to commemorate the area.

"We wanted it to be a place for residents to come on a Sunday afternoon and have a picnic, have a barbecue, play with the kids and just relax," Ms Sisson said.

The 18-month project, a collaboration with Porirua City Council, culminated in Mayor Jenny Brash and Ms Underhill's husband Jack unveiling a plaque which overlooks the couple's Cannons Creek home.

Ms Brash spoke fondly of her long-serving colleague and friend.

"She was a very gracious woman and served her community very diligently for a long time. She was my deputy and I couldn't have asked for a better one and we [the city] are grateful we can name this after her."

Ms Underhill served on council from 1986 to 2004 and was known for her commitment to her community - particularly the Cook Island people. She also served on the Wellington kindergartens and Brandon Intermediate School boards, Pasifika Women's Organisation and chaired the Whitireia Community Polytechnic board.

The reserve, which integrates two play areas, one for older children and one for under-fives, fitness equipment, barbecue and pergola area, a viewing platform and walkways, was planned with input from residents.

"It has been completed for a while and the feedback we've had from residents has been very positive. They love it," Ms Sisson said.

By ESTHER LAUAKI - Kapi-Mana News