Tawa Labyrinth at Coronation Park

This new community project is underway!
 
Tawa Rotary is funding the development cost of a labyrinth as a gift to Tawa to recognise Rotary’s 50 year presence in Tawa. The idea for a labyrinth was one that came from the community. We heard that people were looking for a quiet place to spend time quietly reflecting on life, similar to labyrinths in Porirua, Johnsonville and Lower Hutt.
 
The design for the Tawa Labyrinth was developed by Tawa College student, Alastair Binns and its shape reflects Tawa’s Bucket Tree. With the agreement of Tawa Scouts and Guides, Tawa Central Kindergarten and the Tawa Community Garden, and approval from Wellington City Council, it is being constructed on the Council-designated site at Coronation Park.
 
 
Wellington City Council has been involved in each step of the process and approved the contract to build, ensuring that the Council’s stringent building requirements would be met.
 
It is being built at ground level and is designed so that it can be walked through and children can play on it. Frequent updates are being posted on our Tawa Rotary Facebook.
 
What exactly is a labyrinth?
 
A labyrinth is a single winding path leading to a centre. They are an ancient concept dating back 4,000 years or more and used as a walking meditation. Today they have become an increasingly popular global method of promoting relaxation of mind and body.
 
Labyrinths are not mazes with dead ends and the threat of getting lost. They draw on classical designs that guarantee an unobstructed progress to and from their centre.
 
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth; do what is right and natural for you. Well-being advice provided by Binghamton University, New York, suggests that “as you walk towards the centre, take time to quiet your mind and release your troubles. Become aware of your breathing. Relax and move at your own pace. The centre is a place of reflection; pause and stay as long as you like. When you are ready, begin walking out the same path you followed in. Experience the sense of well-being, healing, calm or peace”.  
Other labyrinths nearby are at Porirua Hospital, United Church in Johnsonville and Hutt Hospital. All have wonderful examples of the tangible benefits that come from an opportunity to spend time in a peaceful place.
 
Rotary creates environments of peace

As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of Rotary's mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.

By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how we can make the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change. We are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved.

Rotary creates environments where peace can happen. To find out more: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/promoting-peace