Vision
The Garden of Beneficence symbolises the meeting of many peoples – all New Zealanders and visitors from overseas – overlooking the sea reaching out to the world beyond.
It is a part of Wellington City Council’s greater vision to create a world-class waterfront, for all to enjoy, that showcases the unique story of Aotearoa’s diversity.
A long-standing commitment exists between Wellington City Council, Wellington’s sister city, Xiamen and other cities in China for the Garden of Beneficence to be built within Frank Kitts Park.
The “Garden of Beneficence”
The name “Garden of Beneficence” derives its name from Chinese.
The Chinese name for Wellington is 惠灵顿 (huì líng dùn). When naming the garden, the Wellington Chinese Garden Society (WCGS) decided to call it 惠园 (huì yuán), meaning ‘the Wellington Garden’. When 惠 (huì) is translated into English it means “beneficence” meaning ‘a contribution’ or ‘a gift’.
When bestowing a name upon someone or something, it is customary in Chinese culture to be aspirational or hopeful for its life and future. When naming the garden, the WCGS envisaged that it would be a gift to the city of Wellington and future generations. It would be a taonga that would acknowledge the journey and history of the Chinese people to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and the journeys of people from different walks of life who choose to call the city and Aotearoa New Zealand home.