AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

6 December 2006

Cenotaph receives well deserved restoration

The Cenotaph and Court of Honour that take pride of place in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum at the Auckland Domain, have been restored to pristine condition.

“Auckland City has been working with the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Returned Services Association (RSA) and New Zealand Historic Places Trust to restore and improve the condition of the Court of Honour and we are delighted with the result”, says Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee Chairperson Councillor Penny Sefuiva.

The completion of the refurbishment works will coincide with Auckland War Memorial Museum’s grand opening party on 9 December 2006 and within the Year of the Veteran.

“The Cenotaph to Servicemen and Servicewomen is a special place where public can cherish the monument that is an icon of Auckland, and remember colleagues, friends and relations who gave their lives serving New Zealand,” says Jim Newman, President Auckland RSA.

The scope of work to improve the condition of the existing Court of Honour included refurbishment and lighting of the steps, uplighting the Cenotaph, general cleaning and installation of a historic interpretive engraving by Auckland RSA.

“It is very satisfying to see the Court of Honour, which is like a commemorative carpet laid out in its sublime position in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, receive such thoughtful and well-deserved attention”, says Robin Byron, Heritage Advisor Architecture for The Historic Places Trust.

The official opening of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and consecration of the Cenotaph took place on 28 November 1929. On 25 April 1930 the first Anzac parade was held.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is very grateful to the Auckland City Council and the RSA for their role in the refurbishment of the Cenotaph and Court of Honour.

In recognition of the 90th Anniversary of the New Zealand RSA, the Government designated 2006 as the ‘Year of the Veteran', a year in which New Zealand communities have the opportunity to commemorate and honour the sacrifice and service of New Zealand's servicemen and women.

Ends

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