Yellow blooms are popping their heads out of the earth at Tauranga City’s Yatton Park, Tutarawānanga, ahead of Daffodil Day and are a bright reminder to give generously to support the Cancer Society next Friday, August 29.

Back in April, the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty 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 a “meadow” at the park was densely planted with daffodil bulbs in the hope they would bloom near the end of August. At the time, Bay of Plenty residents were encouraged to contribute by buying daffodil bulbs, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty.

A planting day at the Harrier St side of the park was held on May 10, with the community invited to help plant the bulbs they purchased.

Where funds go

Every donation received helped to support the Cancer Society’s work in the Tauranga area, including the support of a local navigator, access to counselling and accommodation near to Waikato Hospital for those travelling for treatment, said Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty chief exceutive Helen Carter.

The initiative resulted in 10,000 bulbs being planted. Carter said at the time that Tauranga’s Memory Meadow would be a very special destination, “which people can visit to remember a loved one or to honour the journey they’ve been on”.

Early flowers

While the full bloom was planned for the end of August to coincide with Daffodil Day, warmer temperatures had meant visitors had been enjoying the bright, uplifting display since late July.

Daffodils blooming brightly at Tauranga City’s Yatton Park, Tutarawānanga,on August 20, 2025. Photo / Ayla Yeoman

The unseasonably warm winter weather has fast-tracked Tauranga’s Memory Meadow, Carter said.

“Locals are encouraged to visit the park to enjoy the effect of the meadow, which was made possible thanks to community contributions and dozens of volunteers who helped plant the 10,000 daffodil bulbs.”

Free services

Carter said the community should be aware the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty is not directly government-funded but its services are free for people with cancer and their whānau.

“These services include transport to treatment, support from experienced cancer care professionals, support groups, accommodation near to treatment centres and access to counselling.”

Across Waikato and Bay of Plenty in the last financial year, 3724 people were supported by the Cancer Society; 104,657km were driven taking cancer patients to their treatment; $252,583 was contributed towards local and national cancer research; and 17,145 nights’ accommodation were provided to guests at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton.

Volunteers wanted

As Daffodil Day approaches next Friday, August 29, the Cancer Society is also calling for volunteers to help collect donations at various locations across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.

Shifts are just two hours long, with all donations helping to support the society’s free services in the region, including transport to treatment, support groups and accommodation.

For more information on Daffodil Day and how to donate, sign up your own fundraiser or volunteer, visit: daffodilday.org.nz