Pukeahu – a place of significance

With its commanding views over the city Pukeahu has always been a place of significance. Maori who lived in the area called the hill Pukeahu and had a pa site there. Early settlers remained the area Mt Cook and built army and police barracks and prisons along Buckle Street.

Mt Cook has also had an important role in education. The Mt Cook School opened in 1875 as the Buckle Street public school for boys and girls, Wellington High school is in the same area and Wellington Boys High and Wellington East Girls College are nearby. Massey University College of Creative Arts is now located in the former National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum building situated behind the National War Memorial.

Taking advantage of the elevated site the National War Memorial was built in 1932. A proposal to create a boulevard to link the memorial to Courtenay Place didn’t eventuate.

In 2005 the Ministry for Culture and Heritage acquired land on Buckle Street, across the road from the National War Memorial. In April 2011, the former Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson marked the completion of this first phase of the development which was a dedicated public space to remember those affected by war.

In 2012 the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Act was passed allowing necessary statutory authorisations and property rights to the Ministry and the New Zealand Transport Agency to enable completion of Pukeahu.

The creation of Pukeahu is actually a roading project as it has been achieved by putting State Highway One – Buckle Streetbetween Tasman, Tory and Taranaki Streets – underground enabling the park to be developed above.

Construction on the tunnel revealed relics of its colonial past with a gun emplacement and pieces of an old cannon relating to area’s military history. Opened on 27 September 2014,the Arras Tunnel commemorates the New Zealand tunnelling company based in Arras, France during the First World War.Forty-one New Zealand tunnellers lost their lives while stationed at Arras.

Pukeahu was officially opened on Saturday 18 April and in keeping with tikanga Māori a pre-dawn blessing, jointly organised by the Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trust in partnership with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, was held on 25 March. The whakawatea saw the tapu lifted and the park blessed so people could walk through.

Ko te Takiwā Maharatanga Pakanga o te Motu Pukeahu te wāhi o te motu tika mō ngā tāngata o Aotearoa kia maumahara, kia whakaaro mō te wheako o Aotearoa i roto i te pakanga, i te kauhanga riri me te hohou i te rongo, ā, kua pēhea te wheako e auaha i ō tātou whakaaro rangatira, i tō tātou tuakiri ā-motu.

The National War Memorial: Commemorating New Zealanders who have given their lives in military and peace-keeping duties

The history of the National War Memorial dates back to November 1919.At the end of World War One, the New Zealand Government with ‘not a single voice of dissent’ approved the erection of the Memorial to be built in a position where it would ‘be visible from any part of the city and from ships entering the harbour’.

Discussion about its location and form ensued with Wellington jeweller P.N. Denton suggesting a Carillon with bells of remembrance be built alongside the Memorial. By 1924 Government had approved a subsidy towards the construction of a National Art Gallery and a National Museum, but not the Memorial.

A Wellington War Memorial Carillon Society quickly raised 9,600 pounds enabling the purchase of a Carillon with 49 bells.At the same time, Government announced the hill behind the Mt Cook Barracks as the site for the Memorial, National Art Gallery and National Museum.

A design competition in 1929 and was won by Gummer and Ford, an Auckland architectural and engineering firm. Christchurch builders P. Graham and Sons started work in 1931 and Prime Minister G. W. Forbes laid the foundation stone on 15 May 1931.

The dedication ceremony took place on Anzac Day, 25 April 1932. The Memorial was consecrated by the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt Rev Dr T. H. Sprott and was opened by the Governor-General Lord Bledisloe before a crowd of more than 50,000. The Carillon bells rang out for the first time and the Lamp of Remembrance on the top of the tower was lit.

The Memorial is actually two buildings. The art-deco Carillon tower was opened in 1932 and the Hall of Memories was completed in 1964.The same architects, Gummer and Ford and the same builder, P. Graham and Sons completed the project over a 30-year period.

The National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum were opened in August 1936.

The carillon

Towering over 50 metres high the National War Memorial Carillon has been prominent in Wellington’s skyline since its 1932 Anzac Day dedication ceremony.

Consisting of at least 23 bells tuned to create a concordant harmonic effect carillons developed during the late 15thcentury in north Western Europe with the first documented carillon with a mechanical keyboard built in 1487. Now there are over 650 throughout the world.

The National War Memorial’s original 49 bells were private donations made in memory of World War One casualties. In 1926 the Wellington War Memorial Carillon Society asked the public to purchase bells and the successful result saw each bell given a name and dedication inscription. One is dedicated to Leslie Beauchamp, brother of writer Katherine Mansfield. Other bells bear the names of military units and specific battles.The British firm, Gillett and Johnston cast the bells in Crydon, England.

Since 1984, the carillon has been substantially rebuilt and enlarged. Twenty mid-range bells have been replaced and 21 smaller treble bells have been added. In 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the ending of World War Two, government donated four large bells – Grace (Aroha), Hope (Tumanako), Remembrance (Whakamaharatanga) and Peace (Rangimarie). These bells were cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, England. In addition, National Carillonist Timothy Hurd donated five smaller bells.

Today the carillon has 74 bells ranging in size from 10kg to 12.5 tonnes with the Peace bell being the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. With a combined weight of 70.5 tonnes, the carillon is the third largest in the world and has a musical range of 6.5 octaves.

Playing the carillon

The carillon is played by a keyboard consisting of rows of wooden keys which the carillonist plays with their hands and feet. The bells themselves do not move as they are bolted to a frame. Under each bell is an iron clapper (or arm) which is attached by a system of levers and wires to the carillonist’s clavier. The sound produced is controlled by the amount of energy used, so it is a pure mechanical action. The National War Memorial Carillon’s clavier is one of the most modern in the world and was designed and built by the National Carillonist Timothy Hurd.

Carillonists:

  • Gladys Watkins (1932-1936)
  • John Randal (1937-1950, 1954-1983)
  • Selwyn Baker (1950-1954)
  • Timothy Hurd QSM (since 1984).

The Saint Lazarus Memorial Organ

On 18 October 2007, the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem gifted a magnificent Erben-designed pipe organ to the National War Memorial. The dedication ceremony was conducted in the presence of H.E. The Governor-General and the Grand Duke of the Order, His Highness the Grand Master Don Francisco de Borbon y Escasany, Duke of Seville. The organ dates back to 1857 and was originally from a church in Ellsworth, Maine, United States of America. This instrument is used in ceremonial programmes and concerts.

Hall of Memories – a focal point for commemorations

The plans for the Hall of Memories were originally drawn up in the 1920s, but the Great Depression of the 1930s and then World War II put the project on hold. The Hall of Memories was officially opened by the Governor General Sir Bernard Fergusson on 5 April 1964.

The interior walls are stone from the Mount Somers district near Ashburton and the exterior consists of concrete slabs cast to resemble blocks of Putaruru stone. Soaring columns and symbolic stained glass windows feature on the inside.

Six recesses have dedicated remembrance plaques to the forces in which New Zealanders served. The flags of each Service hang immediately above. Four mounted wall plaques commemorating the conflicts in South Africa, Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam are featured here. The recess commemorating the Second World War Expeditionary Force contains a three panelled Māori carving known as Tahiwi. This was presented by Gallipoli veterans in honour of the Māori Pioneer Battalion.

Sculptor Lynden Smith's statue Mother and Children, stands within the Sanctuary. The statue is a poignant and powerful image of the suffering and burden carried by a family during times of conflict.

The nation's Roll of Honour books contain the names of the nearly 30,000 New Zealand war dead. The Coats of Arms of the nine New Zealand provinces flank the walls above the books. The Lamp of the Brotherhood, dedicated to preserving remembrance and unity, is mounted on the back wall. Carved in stone above the Sanctuary are doves of peace and verses from Psalm 139.

Two large columns flanking the steps to the Sanctuary depict members of the Commonwealth who fought in the two world wars, their Coats of Arms linked by stylised branches to the Tree of the Commonwealth. Word's from Laurence Binyon's Ode to the Fallen are set in bronze on the rear wall.

Tomb of the Unknown warrior

  • Above: Wreath laying ceremony in honour of the NZ Engineers Tunnelling Company in September 2014

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests at the NZ Engineers Tunnellling Company wreath laying event in September 2014

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Honour Guard alongside the Tomb on the 4th August 2014

Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force

  • Above: Wreaths placed by NZDF Service Chiefs to mark the centenary of WWI on 4 August 2014

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests placing poppies on the Tomb at the Batte of Crete service in May 2014

Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force

  • Above: Veterans Affairs' Minister Michael Woodhouse, Haddon Donald, Chas Anderton, Dame Sian Elias at the Cassino service in May 2014

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: In the background, a Vigil Guard outside the Tomb on Anzac Day 2014

Image courtesy of Colin McLellan

  • Above: Crowds at the 2014 Anzac Day service which was held at Parliament's forecourt

Image courtesy of Colin McLellan

  • Above: The Official Party arrives at the 2014 Anzac Day service held at Parliament

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Youth representative Jared Ganesan placing a poppy at the Post-War Malaya/Malaysia service in September 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Minister Michael Woodhouse, Len Knapp, President, Malaya Veteran's Assoc and HE Rosmidah Zahid, High Commissioner for Malaysia

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Korean War veterans pay their respects at the July 2013 commemorations

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: US Ambassador to New Zealand, HE David Huebner at the Korean War service in July 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: HE The Governor-General of New Zealand and Minister Chester Borrows at the Korean War service in July 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Air Commodore Maurice Manttan (Rtd), Chris King, Minister Paula Bennett and Ian Dymock at May's Battle of the Atlantic Service

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guest veterans at the Battle of the Atlantic service in May 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Peter Dunne and the Governor General meeting kaumatua and kuia Sam and June Jackson at the Crete service

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests of honour including Peter Dunne, Arthur Midwood and the Governor General at the Battle of Crete service in May 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Vigil at the Tomb on Anzac Day 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Visitors placing poppies on the Tomb on Anzac Day 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain and the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah in March 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain and the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah in March 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: His Majesty King Tupou VI talking with David Ledson, NWM Advisory Council Chair in February 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Katrina Shanks MP with Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u in 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: The King of Tonga, His Majesty King Tupou VI on his first official visit in February 2013

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Honour Guard alongside the Tomb at the 28 Māori Battalion Association farewell in December 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Minister Finlayson and HE The Governor-General at the 28 Māori Battalion Association farewell in December 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Members of the Seraphim Choir, Chilton St James School in November 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman with HRH Prince Philippe of Belgium in November 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guest veterans at the Armistice Day service in November 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Tri-Service Vigil Guard at the Armistice Day service in November 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: The Governor General and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English at the 2012 Armistice Day service

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Veterans and other guests placing poppies at the Battle of El Alamein service in October 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Placing poppies on the Tomb at the Battle of El Alamein service in October 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Veterans' Affairs Minister Nathan Guy and El Alamein veteran Arthur Midwood at the October 2012 service

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Veteran John Jones, HE The Governor-General and Minister David Carter at the Coastwatchers ceremony in October 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Minister Chester Borrows at the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele in October 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: State Secretary for Defence, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Christian Schmidt and military personnel in October 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Visit of the State Secretary for Defence, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Christian Schmidt in October 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Retired senior military personnel at the Bomber Command Service in September 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: The Prime Minister with Ministers Coleman and Guy at the September 2012 Bomber Command Service

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests outside the National War Memorial at the Malayan Emergency ceremony in September 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Poppies placed on the Tomb following the September 2012 Malayan Emergency ceremony

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Veterans paying their respects at the Malayan Emergency ceremony in 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests placing poppies at the Malayan Emergency ceremony in September 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests at the National Commemoration of the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests at the Merchant Navy Day commemorative ceremony in September 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Members of the Korean community pay tribute at the June 2012 wreathlaying ceremony

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: HE Yongku Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and Hon Nathan Guy pay their respects

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests at the 62nd anniversary of the Start of the Korean War ceremony in June 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Lt Gen Duane Theissen, Commander US Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Lt Gen Rhys Jones, NZDF in June 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: US Marines placing poppies on the Tomb in June 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: American and NZ military personnel at a rehearsal in June 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: US Marines in formation alongside the Tomb in June 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: NZDF personnel rehearsing prior to a service marking the 70th anniversary of US Marines in June 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Personnel from T.S ESMERALDA, the Chilean Navy’s Training Ship visiting in June 2012

Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force

  • Above: Personnel from T.S ESMERALDA in formation alongside the Tomb

Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force

  • Above: Members of the T.S ESMERALDA band in June 2012

Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force

  • Above: Australian Governor-General HE Quentin Bryce placing a rose on 28 February 2012

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Guests assemble in front of the Tomb on Armistice Day 2011

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Wreaths displayed by the Tomb on Armistice Day 2011

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Vigil outside the Tomb on Armistice Day 2011

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

  • Above: Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae at the Armistice Day service in November 2011

Ministry for Culture and Heritage