War Memorial Unveiled In Canterbury Town

Thursday, 1 May 2025, 7:38 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The Canterbury town of Culverden was able to take its turn at hosting an Anzac Day service for the first time in four years on Friday.

Amuri residents past and present travelled from far and wide to observe the unveiling of a new war memorial, a six-metre high Corten steel laser-cut soldier and poppy that will be lit up at night.

The $150,000 project was made possible thanks to the legacy of the Rutherford family, which has been farming in the district since 1860.

Duncan Rutherford built a drill hall in the town in 1902, donating it to the community for the mounted rifles to use for training.

The hall served the community for 80 years until it was sold, with the proceeds put away for ‘‘a special project’’.

‘‘This is that special project,’’ Amuri Community Committee chairperson David Croft told the gathered crowd during the service.

‘‘Those funds went a long way towards meeting our goal and it was made possible because of the generosity of so many businesses and individuals.’’

Funding was also received from the Lotteries Commission, the council and a local community cull cow drive.

A $5000 grant from the council’s contestable fund allowed for two storyboards to be made, telling the stories of the men who gave their lives in the two world wars.

The memorial is now taking pride of place in the Rutherford Railway Reserve.

Duncan Rutherford’s descendants came out in force, including his grandson, 103-year-old John Rutherford.

John Rutherford was joined by some of his great-grandchildren to plant a tree to mark the occasion.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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