It is only when the list of Rosemary Hill’s contributions to Cambridge is laid out that the extent of her accomplishments is apparent.
Rosemary Hill
Her passing on February 28 at 94 has shone a light on those achievements, but Rosemary would far rather they were downplayed.
That was her way. Self-effacing and humble, she was an inspirational and trusted steward who never wanted to make a fuss and would eschew any recognition for her deeds.
In 2019 she was the Cambridge News Person of the Year, and soon afterwards was nominated for a New Zealand Royal Honour. She turned that down, but grateful for having been considered, said, “Why on earth would I deserve something like that?”
Almost despite herself, Rosemary achieved a great deal.
Liz Stolwyk
Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk said it was Rosemary who gave the town its moniker ‘Cambridge Town of Trees and Champions’.
“I was in the room when she came up with it,” she said. “Rosemary was a true champion for Cambridge… someone whose passion and dedication touched every corner of our community. Her legacy of service and commitment will be remembered for generations to come. She was a huge influence on me personally as I entered local politics.”
Rosemary was a councillor on the Cambridge Borough Council from 1983-89, and deputy mayor in Pat Allan’s mayoralty from 1986-89. Her toughness was apparent as she tried but failed to persuade Cambridge to resist amalgamation. She was deputy chair of the transition committee to the Waipā District Council, remaining active on council until 1995 and serving on the Cambridge Community Board from 1989 to 2001.
In 2018, she retired from the Cambridge Health and Community Trust (now Taylor Made Community Space) after 25 years, 22 of them as chairperson. She also played a central role in establishing Cambridge Community House and was a trustee. She helped establish the Cambridge Community Arts Council, the Cambridge Youth Centre Management Committee, the Cambridge Autumn Festival, Neighbourhood Support Groups, and the Cambridge Tourism Association and Visitor Information Centre, among others.
The group comprises, from left, Judy Bannon, Louise Upston, Jenni Dacomb, Alana Mackay, Elise Badger, Jo Davies-Colley, Liz Stolwyk, Susan O’Regan, Norma Mackie, Sue Milner and sitting, Rosemary Hill.
In the 1970s, Rosemary set up the local Save the Children Fund branch, leading it for most of her 25 years there. She was a member of the Cambridge Centennial Committee and the Keep Cambridge Beautiful Project and was active in the Cambridge Community Marae and in supporting Māori community initiatives.
She received awards from the Save the Children Fund, and the Cambridge Community Board.
Born in Hamilton on February 5, 1931, Rosemary was always ahead of her time. Guided by an insatiable curiosity about the world, philosophy and the human condition, she was determined to forge her own path.
After completing a BA in English and geography at Otago University, she taught in Hamilton before heading overseas where she flatted with a friend and taught. They adventured and hitch-hiked around post-war Europe, with Rosemary recalling nights spent in an old boat, a ruined castle and a haystack.
Some of the original Information Centre board members who attended the 20th anniversary of
Destination Cambridge. They are, from left, Rob Feisst, Rosemary Hill, Win Bills and Kevin Burgess
On her return to Wellington, she met English architect Ted Hill. They married and eventually moved to Cambridge in 1965. After 10 years devoted to raising their children – John, Annie, the late Jamie, and Richard – she returned to teaching, this time at Cambridge High School.
Those who worked with her are effusive in their acknowledgement.
Lloyd Buscombe, chairperson of Cambridge Health and Community Trust, described knowing Rosemary as a rare privilege and said she was “dedicated to her community, gracious in her demeanour and forthright in championing the causes she held dear”.
Rosalie Lunson, life member of the Cambridge Business Chamber, said Rosemary had been a “‘pillar of our local community, the go-to person for so much information, a real stalwart”.
The people most important to her – John, Annie and Richard – penned this:
“Many knew our mother as a passionate teacher, councillor and volunteer in the community, but to us, she was equally devoted as our mum. While she encouraged us to be independent, she was always there when we needed her. Her advice was thoughtful, wise and unwavering, and she showed us great patience and understanding. We were incredibly fortunate to have her in our lives for so many years.”
Jenny Baker (in black) wearing her ‘medals’ at last week’s Christmas lunch. With her are Cambridge Health and Community Centre Trust Board members, from left, Laureen Allen, Bill Louth, Rosemary Hill, Winston Steen, Bruce Morrison and Lloyd Buscomb.
