MINISTRY FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE
For immediate release
4 June 2003

Tomb Of The Unknown Warrior

Ministry for Culture and Heritage Chief Executive Martin Matthews today responded to the High Court decision regarding the resource consent earlier given to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

“If further public consultation on the proposed development is now required by the Wellington City Council, we will willingly comply with such a requirement to enable us to move forward.”

“Today’s decision is a disappointment, but we accept fully the judge’s decision.”

“It is important that the development of the Tomb and the War Memorial are highly valued and supported by New Zealanders. The Ministry has always acted in good faith, with the heritage values of the War Memorial being of paramount consideration.”

“We consulted widely from the outset of the project, and approval was given from key groups such as the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Royal New Zealand Returned Services’ Association, the Wellington Tenths Trust prior to us seeking the original consent from the Wellington City Council.”

Mr Matthews said that today’s outcome means that the Tomb will not be dedicated on Armistice Day, 11 November, as originally planned. A new date will be set at the time that consent is obtained from the Council.

-ENDS–