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New Zealand’s oldest war memorial to be refurbished
Media Release - New Zealand’s oldest war memorial
to be refurbished
Work has begun on
refurbishment of New Zealand’s oldest war memorial, the
Weeping Woman, located in Moutoa Gardens, Whanganui. It is
expected to be completed by the end of the
month.
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is undertaking the work following close consultation with the Pakaitore Historic Reserve Board which has oversight of the Gardens. The Memorial is one of about 4,000 war graves and memorials for which the Ministry has responsibility.
The refurbishment of the white marble statue is being carried out by Manawatu Museum Services Limited, assisted by a local artist Aaron Te Rangiao.
Work began with a blessing ceremony on Friday 26 May led by Kaumatua John Maihi, with Board Chairman Jay Rerekura, Kuia Mrs Kataraina Millen and other local people closely involved in the project attending, along with the contractors.
Further information
on the memorial, including photos, can be found at:
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/moutoa-gardens-nz-wars-memorial
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