9 November 2012

Huntly Library to Host Memorial Quilt

A special quilt honouring more than 100 New Zealand children killed by family violence is to be displayed at Waikato District Council’s Huntly Library from next week.

The quilt, dubbed ‘Counterpain’, will arrive at the library on Monday 12 November and will be displayed until Monday 26 November.

It acts as a memorial to 136 children that died at the hands of their family or caregivers, from 1990 to 2010, with each child’s name stitched onto the 14metre-long quilt.

The quilt was the creation of Auckland textile artist Thelma McGough, with the help of over 100 embroiderers, who wanted to raise awareness of the extent of the issue of family violence in New Zealand and also believed the children needed a memorial.

Stakeholder Relations general manager Jo Ireland said it was hoped the quilt would hit home with library users the issue of family violence in New Zealand.

“Family violence is a very serious and very real issue in New Zealand, and it’s one that we can’t ignore. The library is a busy place, with on average 400-500 visitors per day, so the quilt will definitely be in the public eye.”

Ms Ireland encouraged people to head along to the library and view the quilt, which is black and white in colour to represent death and innocence.

“It is a really unique piece of work, it’s of real interest.”

The quilt will be displayed in the main area of the bottom floor of the library.

ENDS

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