In May 2024 Whanganui voted and became the first district council to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The motion was supported by over 2300 signatures and over 40 business support letters. While collecting signatures through the engagement with the community it became clear that people were deeply affected by what is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. As a response Whanganui residents came together to create a symbol of solidarity, Flowers for Palestine – Putiputi mō Parihitini, a close to 10 meters long hand embroidered artwork.
The Flowers for Palestine – Putiputi mō Parihitini project was created out of a desire within our Whanganui Community to signal our solidarity with the Palestinian people. With the assistance of a grant from Creative New Zealand’s Creative Communities Scheme and with the support of the Whanganui Palestine Solidarity Group and local textile artists we have produced a series of hand embroidered panels. Every stitch represents and honours the innocent lives lost in the genocide in Gaza. The project provided a channel for our grief, our love, and our hope for peace.We also wanted to recognise the emotional and moral injury being suffered by people in New Zealand and around the world, as we witness the brutal and illegal violations of human rights in Gaza. The Flowers for Palestine project demonstrates the strength of community action. Over a period of 7 months (October 2024 - May 2025), during weekly meetings and several open days, 74 people contributed to the creation of this heartfelt symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The project also received embroidered flowers and words/quotes from afar, which were attached by local participants on behalf of the sender. Over five hundred and seventy hours of work went into the completion of the panels.
Art has always been, and remains, a way of making a lasting statement and creating a record of historic events. These panels are a testament to how, through creativity and joint effort, people can turn despair into beauty. They carry the message of unity and will show future generations that Whanganui stood together, calling for peace. They are a true expression of understanding and solidarity through a universal language: art.
After public exhibitions in Whanganui and other towns in Aotearoa, the Flowers for Palestine – Putiputi mō Parihitini panels will be placed into the care of the Whanganui Regional Museum.