Legacies

The sculpture park has been assisted over the years with the generous support of two legacies from supporters of the park.

The Gilli Sutton Legacy:

In August 2018, Gilli Sutton passed away. She was a long-term supporter of the park who understood its importance as resource for creative and environmental inspiration.

For Gilli, the park combined her passion for art and gardens.  Often she would call in for breakfast on her way from Taupo to Auckland, just to ‘breathe in’ the atmosphere on her walk up the trail.  She foresaw the park’s potential.

Gilli taught English, French and German at Auckland’s Diocesan School for Girls and then went on to teach drama at Theatre Corporate which she helped run for years.  (Most of the early stars of Shortland Street were her pupils which led to her life-long addiction to the soap)

Gilli's passion and dedication for the arts and the support of artists will never be forgotten.  She inspired many through a life well lived.  She was a quirky, much-loved, eccentric being who lived to help others achieve their dreams.Gilli bequeathed 30 sculptures to John & Dorothy for the park. Each were restored and placed in its unique setting along the main trail.

The Shirley Whittlestone Legacy:

Shirley Whittlestone was a frequent visitor to the park, especially when her children and other relatives came to Hamilton for a visit.

When Shirley died in November 2013, she bequeathed John & Dorothy $15,000 towards a park project.

The dramatic stairs up the hill in the Asian section had just been completed with the ambition of building a Japanese folly at the top.

Shirley’s legacy contributed significantly towards the cost of the Japanese folly.