Renaming of Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

Kāpiti Coast District Council staff, elected members, iwi and the family of Barry Hadfield came together for the renaming of a Kāpiti reserve in honour of the former mayor.

Council unanimously supported renaming Nikau Reserve, which is half a kilometre north of Paraparaumu on State Highway One, to Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve earlier this year.

To celebrate a new Heritage Trail sign featuring the story of the Hadfield family has been unveiled.

Barry’s son, David Hadfield, says it was very special to have more than 50 people present for the ceremony, including about 25 friends and family of the Hadfields.

“We really appreciate Council and iwi for allowing us to commemorate Dad in this way. This will be a lasting memorial for our children, and the generations to come, to remember a good man.”

Barry was the first elected Mayor of the Kāpiti Borough Council in 1974, serving two terms before being appointed to the Local Government Commission. He had strong family links to the district and his great grandfather, pioneering missionary Octavius Hadfield, was a friend of Te Rauparaha.

Mayor Ross Church says the renaming of the reserve is keeping with Council’s desire to honour past Mayors of Kāpiti.

“Barry was influential in shaping the foundations of our Council and our community. Renaming the reserve in his honour recognises that legacy and helps ensure his family’s links to Kāpiti continue for many years to come.” 

The reserve also connects to the new Bright Ridge Skyline Track, which is opening tomorrow [November 21], on land recently made available for public access thanks to the Bright family.

“It’s great the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve is linking to a new track, adding to the outdoors attractions in Kāpiti,” Mayor Church says.

“The Bright and Hadfield families are closely linked, so it’s very fitting the track and the reserve carries their names.”

Bright Ridge Skyline Track extends about three kilometres between Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve and Valley Road.

Photo: Council Kaumātua Rakauoteora Te Maipi (Koro Don), David Hadfield (son of Barry Hadfield, and Mayor Ross Church unveil a Heritage Trail sign at the renaming of the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve. Credit: Kāpiti Coast District Council