29 May 2009
Media Statement

War Memorial Park off the agenda

The National Government appears to have indefinitely shelved the War Memorial Park in Wellington, Grant Robertson, Labour MP for Wellington Central said today.

“While Mr Finlayson kept very quiet yesterday, the Budget documents reveal that money allocated for the War Memorial Park has been clawed back. This is short-sighted and a real shame for Wellington and for veterans and their families,” Grant Robertson said.

The National War Memorial Park was to be built in Buckle St in Wellington to provide an area where New Zealand and other countries could honour those who have served New Zealand. Designs were developed last year, and a consensus between central and local government and the neighbouring Mt Cook School was on the table.

“A project such as this is a win-win. It would provide jobs in tight economic times, and it would continue to develop our heritage and national identity. Instead National has decided for political reasons to stop work on the project,” Grant Robertson said.

“Mr Finlayson has played politics on this issue since becoming Arts and Culture Minister.

“It is clear he did not like the idea that a project developed by the Labour Government could come to fruition on his watch.

“That’s not good enough, and is an insult to veterans and their families, who deserve to see this Park built.

“The Budget does appear to have some money set aside to tidy up the current vacant site where the Park would be built. While local residents will welcome that, it is a great shame that National have not made a commitment to the memorial.

“What is even more shameful is that Mr Finlayson has tried to hide this decision away and make no statement about it.

“He was happy to trumpet some small increases in arts funding, but does not seem to want to front up to the people of Wellington about this decision.” Grant Robertson said.

ENDS

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