Vihara Bodhi Garden project

Click here to see pictures of the project

The objective of the Bodhi tree garden project at the Harris Road Vihara was to provide wheelchair access to the bodhi tree and back garden and, at the same time, improve the aesthetic appearance of the garden with uniform planting, including suitable natives, a water feature and ambient lighting and improved seating. The project involved removing the old pathway and tiles, and laying a wheelchair-accessible pathway leading from the concrete sheltered area curving around the feijoa tree and linking with a rectangular eco-decking platform. Work began in June 2024 and the main parts of the project were completed within four months. Two last features, the candle stand and water feeds to the tree, were installed at the end of November.

Total cost approximated $115,000, of which more than half was covered by donations. We wish to express our gratitude to the donors for their contributions. We are also appreciative of those who gave significant time and energy into designing the garden, overseeing the construction work and attending to new planting.

It was heartening to see a boy in a wheelchair and a woman with a walker in the Bodhi garden, days after the project was completed; people are appreciative of ATBA’s new asset. Since the rejuvenation of the Bodhi garden, the Vihara has seen visitors on a daily basis, and a common sight is devotees sweeping leaves and cleaning the area. We wish to thank those who are keeping the bodhi garden tidy and well-maintained. 

The AGM day, 1 December 2024, was a timely occasion to have a small ceremony to celebrate the completion of the redevelopment of the Vihara Bodhi Garden. Ajahn Kusalacitto and Bhante Kavidhaja led those present in Itipiso chanting at the Bodhi tree. We are grateful to all volunteers who made this project possible, and thank-you very much to our generous donors who are helping the project approach its funding goal. Anumodana.

If you are interested in helping us meet the cost of the project, you can find information here.

Major Projects at Vimutti

Senior Monk Accommodation

ATBA has plans for a major project to improve the accommodation available for senior monks at Vimutti. As senior monks age, there is a growing need to refurbish the existing Mahathera Kuti and equip it with appropriate facilities that take care of the health, safety and nursing needs of senior resident monks.

We also envision the need for a new kuti for senior visiting monks at a more easily accessible location. Most of the existing kutis are at the back of the property.

Your generous donations towards the development of these accommodations would be deeply appreciated. The bank account for donations is BNZ 02-0192-0469144-00 reference “Project”.

Women’s Bathroom Block

Click here to see pictures of the project

A new bathroom block for female residents and visiting nuns in the women’s kuti area was completed in April 2025. There used to be a shower room at the Sala for women. During retreats and major events, when the number of lay women staying at the monastery increases, sometimes significantly, that single shower was inadequate. The new block has two showers and a toilet, as well as a separate section for visiting nuns, with facilities specifically designed to suit monastic needs. After completion of the project, the shower room at the Sala was repurposed for Sangha use.

Construction began in early October 2024. Project cost amounted to about $175,000 covering costs of getting consent, work above ground and interior fittings, and including a sum of $33,603 to upgrade the monastery sewage system as required by the council.

We would like to thank the generous donors who made offerings towards this project. 

Monk Bathrooms (on hold)

We are planning a project to provide bathroom facilities for the community of Sangha at Vimutti Monastery. Presently, the male shower room/toilets are shared between male lay residents and monks. As this arrangement is not ideal, we are exploring the possibility of remodelling the existing bathroom space by partitioning off a dedicated section for monks. The new section would be designed to support more resident monks, as we anticipate that the community of monks at Vimutti will gradually grow.