Moves to heal historical wounds: Marylands sites to be renamed

Photo: Christchurch City Council

A proposal to change the names of Marylands Reserve and Marylands Place is under consideration.

The names originates from the historical Marylands School, a site where children and young individuals suffered abuse.

Following advocacy by survivors and with the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, the Christchurch City Council has suggested renaming these areas to Validation Park and Validation Place.

The Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board will make a recommendation on renaming these locations on April 11th.

The effort to rename these places comes after close consultation with those who endured abuses at Marylands School, aiming to acknowledge their pain and the historical wrongdoing associated with the site's name.

Survivors shared how their stories of abuse were often disbelieved or ignored for years, and the proposed name "Validation" emerges as a powerful acknowledgment of their truth and a step towards reclaiming their power over past events.

Additionally, the Board will evaluate "Monarch" as an alternate name, inspired by the monarch butterfly, which holds special significance for the survivors.

Marylands School, managed by the St John of God Brothers from 1955 to 1984, was a boarding facility for boys, including many with disabilities or special educational needs. Initially located in Middleton, the school later moved to Halswell in the 1960s. The site, now known as Marylands Reserve, and its history are marked by the abuse suffered by over one-fifth of the 537 boys who attended, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

Should the proposal be accepted, the name change is slated to be implemented by 4 June 2024. The Council plans to facilitate the transition for businesses affected by the address change and will install temporary signage at the location to inform the public of the upcoming name change.