Benjamin (Benji) Hartfield

Benjamin (Benji) Hartfield

Our Benji Hartfield (artist and gardener) died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday 26 January after a long struggle with his mental health. He was 26. So dearly loved by and an inspiration to so many. He will be forever loved and missed by his parents Jane and Michael, his sister Olivia who he adored, and his family and many friends.

He lived his faith.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at St Hilda’s Church, Island Bay, Wellington at 2pm on Sunday 1 February. Everyone is welcome.

“There is still light; now hidden but not gone.”

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a contribution to support people in real need, please consider Anglican Missions (www.anglicanmissions.org.nz) where Michael works.

To view the livestream or to send a tribute please go to lychgate.co.nz/upcoming-funerals/ Message to the family can also be sent c/o Lychgate Funerals, 306 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

Tributes

Bev Jarvis

Jane, Mike & Olivia,
We were so incredibly sorry to hear of Benji’s passing. We have such fond memories of Benji and Brooke playing football together when they were younger. Wishing you peace and strength at this sad time.
Love
Bev, Darryl, Jarrod & Brooke Jarvis xx

Elizabeth Bruce

Dear Mike, Jane and Olivia, Deepest sympathy to you as you come to terms with the tragic loss of Benji.
Isa 30:15b … in quietness and confidence IS your strength.
Love and prayer
Liz Bruce, Richard and Andrew

Kate Jack

I was on the same floor of Weir House with Benji in 2018. I was really shy, really unsure of myself, and really didn’t fit in. Benji evidently noticed this early on, and went so far out of his way to be kind—all year, we talked about art and gardening over tea mornings every so often & had a pot-plant-or-letter-on-a-vintage-postcard-left-outside-the-door exchange going on. Simple moments of connection that he started up of his own accord, just to be kind. I can’t stress enough how much it meant to me at the time and still does. I think about Benji often when I think about that time in my life & when I see certain kinds of NZ inspired art and imagery. What a wonderful & deeply gorgeous human, an electric creative and community spirit. Kindness and perception like no other. I’m crushed for those who knew him closely. How special to have known his briefly. Sending massive love to the whaanau and will keep Benji in a little piece of my heart always. Aroha nui x

Fiona Solomon

Dear Olivia, Jane and Michael. Our family are so sad to hear of the passing of your dear son and brother. My children Jared and Mia Solomon knew Benji via Olivia and sports and have very fond memories of him being the loveliest person. We are thinking of you all and sending you lots of love.

John Davidson

I didn’t know Benjamin and only met Michael towards the end of last year in connection with Anglican Missions. He was extremely friendly and helpful to me. Another person told me later, when I mentioned to this person that I’d met Michael, that I should pray for him because he and his family were going through a very hard time. I had no idea what the issue was. All became clear to me when I read Benjamin’s death notice in the Post this morning (Thursday 29 January 2026).
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Michael, and also to Jane and Olivia.
May he rest in peace.

David Watt

Dear Michael and family,

I want to convey my heartfelt thoughts for you all on the tragic loss of Benji. I remember Michael some great years working with you at the Wellington City Council when I was an elected representative with your deep passion and advice on heritage matters, which were an inspiration for my later work, and continuing with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It has been great to stop and talk with you in the street during your time on Aid agency work, with my extensive number of years in Rotary and our focus on humanitarian projects.

We look forward to seeing you soon when you come to speak to our Rotary Club of Wellington North in February.
Meantime, my love and respect for you all as you go through this very hard time as a family.
Sincerely
David.

Helena and Rona of Bowen Galleries

Dear Jane, Michael, and Olivia.

Benji was a much loved part of the wider Bowen community. A thoughtful and kind man, we all really appreciated his deep conversation and artistic outlook. His great support for other artists did not go unnoticed. Our thoughts go out to you three, and to Benji.
Aroha nui,
Bowen Galleries

Alex Czerwonka

Dear Michael, Jane and family of Benji,
How sad you must feel as the reality of Benji’s death sets in. He, and all of you have lost the horizons of a brighter future with him in it. You will have memories of happy times together, and the legacy of his artwork and other things done well. May these give some comfort. Inevitably, there will be regrets, at times you may wonder … if something had happened differently, or if words had been said, or not said, these could have changed what happened. For my own regrets, I trust that somehow when God brings all things to completion, whatever was lacking in me, and anyone else, will be graciously fulfilled. As you journey on in sadness, take Benji and all his originality and uniqueness with you. May God bring you comfort through your family and friends. Alex & Jocelyn Czerwonka