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Tree Information x

Identifier: WKR/G2098
Tree Type: Group
Registered By: Timberland, B. D.
Registration Category: Notable tree/s – Local interest
General Notes:
The Viola Bell Memorial Grove is a stunning set of magnolias planted in 1993 to commemorate the work of Viola Bell, an important figure in Centennial Drive's development.

In 1939 and 1940, trees were planted to mark the centenary of New Zealand, and the area was named Centennial Drive.

In 1956 the Centennial Drive Development Society was formed to develop the area into a park with assistance of local voluntary groups. The Drive was then transformed into an extensive collection of trees.

During 1993 part of the Drive was established as a Magnolia Grove in the memory of Viola Bell, who was the first President of the Society for a period of twenty-seven years (Timberland, B. D., 2025).

Reference
Matamata-Piako District Council, Centennial Drive Reserve - History www.mpdc.govt.nz, accessed 1 Sept. 2025

Group Details

Group Type: Mixed species
Feature Tree Genus: Magnolia
Feature Tree Species: x soulangeana
Feature Tree Common Names: tulip magnolia, saucer magnolia
Additional Feature Tree Genus:
Additional Feature Tree Common names:
Additional Feature Tree Species:
QE II Covenanted: No
NZ Indigenous Bush type: Default Value
Given Name: Viola Bell Memorial Gove
Actual Planting Date: Jul 1993
Approx. Planting Date:
e.g. circa. 1860
Current Age: 32 years
Tree Health Description: good
Local Protection Status: No
Tree Present: Yes
Number of Trees: 14
Area Covered: 104 m2
Group of Tree Type: Commemorative

Observations

Date Observer Action
01 Sep 2025 Timberland, B. D.

Location

Lat/Long: -37.81622972966346 / 175.77561694383624
Location Name: Viola Bell Memorial Grove
Address: Centennial Drive
Suburb:
City/Town: Matamata
Region: Waikato
Location Description: The grove is near the Hohaia Street entrance to Centennial Drive. it has a compact buxus sempervirens hedge at its entrance and a couple of seats within the enclosed grove. there is a shaded lawn and some perennial planting in the back of the grove with a commemorative headstone to Viola Bell.
Public Accessibility: Local Council Park
Local Authority: Matamata-Piako District Council

Images

Preview Credit Date
Beau Timberland 03 Sep 2025
Beau Timberland 03 Sep 2025
Beau Timberland 03 Sep 2025
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