This large collection of 36 Phoenix canariensis planted in 2 groups, is a significant historical connection to the Kimberley Centre, which in the 1980s was the ‘largest intellectually-handicapped hospital in the southern hemisphere’ [1]. Founded in 1945, prior to which the site had been a Royal New Zealand Air Force Station for pilot training, the Kimberly centre grew rapidly but then went through decline associated with a movement to deinstitutionalise the treatment of mental illness. The palms were planted circa 1960 (see aerial photo below), and were retained as a significant feature of the grounds when a local business family bought the vacant site in 2014 [2] to develop the Speldhurst Country Estate. Speldhurst is a country lifestyle and retirement village, which ultimately will contain up to 500 homes. The Phoenix palms, along with other exotic trees, are well regarded by the residents, management, and groundstaff. Only one palm was removed for house-building and current development of other facilities ensures the palms are left untouched. The head arborist confirmed that whereas the palms require routine maintenance they are likely to remain ‘in perpetuity’ [3] as a significant arboreal feature of the southern Horowhenua landscape. They are in very good condition with an average height of about 10 metres. The typical image of palms in a seacoast setting is transformed in this case when the Tararua ranges provide a snow-clad backdrop, but even in summer the collection of palms makes a significant sight amongst the houses and grounds of Speldhurst.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Fiona McGregor, Village Manager, and Richard Brown, arborist, at Speldhurst Country Estate for providing useful information.

References:
[1] Anne Hunt (2005), ‘Kimberley Centre 60th anniversary’ , Scoop Independent News, Thursday, 28 July, 2005.
[2] Harris, Catherine (2016) ‘Kimberley Centre transformed into country retirement village’, March 18, 2016.
[3] Richard Brown, personal communication, April 28, 2023.