Concerns were raised during the planning of the now completed Westchester Link Road that there was a very early gravesite on the proposed route. The Glenside Progressive Association in conjuction with the Wellington City Council researched this as much as possible, talking with those who could remember the grave, engaging the assistance of archaeologists and the Historic Places Trust, plus conducting a magnetometer grid search of the most likely area. The actual gravesite was not located but is believed to be within close proximity of this roadside memorial.
What is known comes from a letter written by Susannah Wall to her sisters in England in 1842 describing the burial of a settlers wife the previous winter. She also wrote of Bishop Selwyn visiting the gravesite and saying a prayer over it. Oral and written lore about this gravesite has been passed down through the generations. At one time a gravesite (assumed to be the same one) was found and fenced. Some people visited it with flowers. In the 1950's it became less well known and the picket fence surrounding it fell. People still remembered the grave though, and kept the memory of the early settler buried there "alive" through oral and written history.
As well as the local historical significance of the memorial, it additionally has national significance being the first known recorded consecration Bishop Selwyn carried out on his first visit to Wellington, and that there are very few memorials to women in New Zealand. Further information can be found on the GPA website
here, and WCC site plans can be viewed
here.
Elm trees near GZ before road construction.
GZ is best approached heading up the hill from the round-a-bout on Middleton road as there is parking for two cars available next to the memorial. This is a busy road at times so make sure to watch out for any young ones in your group. Please ensure the cache is well tucked away, as found, when you are finished.