Key Takeaways
- Every year on White Ribbon Day, November 25, a group of Tauranga locals climb Mauao to commemorate British backpacker Monica Cantwell, who was murdered on the mountain 36 years ago.
- The memorial service, held near the summit, is an informal gathering to remember Cantwell and raise awareness of violence against women.
- The event is open to anyone who wishes to attend, and participants are invited to bring flowers to lay at the memorial plaque.
- The commemoration includes a dawn ceremony, a collection for Women’s Refuge, and a guest speaker, and is an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy and promote a message of non-violence.
Introduction to Monica Cantwell’s Story
Every year on White Ribbon Day, November 25, a group of Tauranga locals climb Mauao to commemorate British backpacker Monica Cantwell, who was tragically murdered on the mountain 36 years ago. This year, they are inviting anyone who wishes to join them for the informal memorial service held near the summit. Cantwell’s story is a heartbreaking one, and her memorial has become an important symbol of the community’s commitment to promoting non-violence and supporting victims of violence.
The Tragic Events of 1989
Monica Cantwell’s memorial rock is located on the northern side of the mountain’s summit, and it was there that she was attacked while walking the northern summit track on November 20, 1989. She was just one week into a trip to New Zealand, having spent the previous 10 months traveling through Australia. Cantwell was raped and strangled, and her body was discovered three days later after friends reported her missing. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community, and it led to a renewed focus on promoting safety and respect for women.
Reflections on the Tragedy
Tauranga Moana iwi leader Buddy Mikaere, who regularly walks to the summit and reflects on Cantwell’s death, said that what happened to her was "heartbreaking". He expressed his disappointment that a visitor from overseas was treated with such violence, particularly at the top of a sacred maunga. Mikaere emphasized the importance of ensuring that all visitors, especially women, feel safe and respected. Cantwell’s killer, Charles John Coulam, was arrested a month after the murder and later sentenced for the crime, but the impact of the tragedy continues to be felt in the community.
The Annual Memorial Service
Every White Ribbon Day, Mikaere and others gather at Cantwell’s memorial plaque to remember her and reflect on the tragedy. The plaque, which was dedicated by the now-defunct Altrusa Club and Tauranga City Council, has become the focal point for the annual service. The gathering is not just about remembering Cantwell, but also about raising awareness of violence against women and promoting a message of non-violence. White Ribbon Day began in 1991 as an international campaign where people wear a white ribbon to show they do not condone violence towards women.
The Dawn Ceremony and Commemoration
More than a decade ago, Mikaere initiated a dawn ceremony on Mauao to honor Cantwell. The ceremony, which typically runs from 7:30am to 8am, is followed by coffee at a cafe near the base of Mauao, where a collection is taken for Women’s Refuge. This year’s guest speaker is Pete Blackwell, a police officer involved in the case at the time. Participants are welcome to bring flowers to lay at the plaque, and the event is open to anyone who wishes to attend. The memorial service will be held on White Ribbon Day, November 25, at 7:30am on the summit of Mauao.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The annual memorial service for Monica Cantwell is an important reminder of the need to promote non-violence and respect for women. The event is an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the tragedy, and to promote a message of hope and support for victims of violence. By attending the memorial service, participants can show their commitment to creating a safer and more respectful community, and help to ensure that Cantwell’s memory is honored. As Mikaere said, "Every father with a child traveling overseas should be able to have that assurance" that their child will be safe and respected. By working together, we can create a world where such tragedies are never repeated.