Following a personal experience with loss, Wanaka woman Shirl Rowley instigated the baby memorial project last year.
She was inspired by the baby memorial garden at Anderson's Bay Cemetery in Dunedin.
Mrs Rowley received a grant of $4000 from the Wanaka Alpha Club - from its annual house tour fundraiser, $5000 from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and $1000 from Wanaka Rotary for the project.
Construction of the memorial wall began late last year and was completed recently.
It is situated on the brow of a hill at the Wanaka cemetery, looking out towards the lake and mountains.
A sculpture of a mother cradling a baby created by Wanaka sculptor Liz Hall has been included as a centrepiece, with several plaques bearing infants' names already fixed on the semi-circular shaped wall Mrs Rowley fondly refers to as "the circle of love".
Mrs Rowley and Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks spoke at last week's opening, while Jeromy van Reil - representing Murihiku and Bluff maraes - carried out a Maori blessing at the site, together with the Rev Denis Bartley, of the Wanaka Anglican Church.
"We know that for many this will stir up some memories but we also know that many will come away with a feeling of pride when you come here and reflect on your little one and maybe see their name," Mrs Rowley told the 40 or so people gathered for the opening.
"Not everyone will put up a plaque [bearing their baby's name], but just to know that this is a special place to visit and not to feel alone, because we often do when grieving for a little one so cherished, but that have so often not been seen or met by others."
