They heard from Napier City Council staff, and concept designer Brent Scott on the three proposed sites for a new Marine Parade memorial, including how they were selected, and their specific advantages.
However, many residents took the opportunity last night to express their frustration over a lack of public consultation on the items removal.
Napier mayor Bill Dalton explained the council had decided to move the items during the redevelopment to ensure they were in an appropriate, and accessible location.
"We have not forgotten our war heroes. We are wanting to remember them in a more accessible and dignified way."
One audience member asked that given the redevelopment started in 2015, "why at that point was this not brought to our attention so that this meeting now didn't have to happen with so much angst for so many people?".
Mr Dalton said this was "fair criticism", but argued the buildings redevelopment had to be accelerated due to its earthquake risk.
"So we got on, did the job, and now we're consulting, and I think that's the appropriate way to go about it."
Another resident said the council's consultation did not touch on the "emotional connection" of families who contributed to the cost of building the hall.
"We are being offered three options, but really no one listens to the voice of the people who want the option of where it was, put it back where it was, that's what people want," she said.
There had been vocal support for this, however Mr Dalton said "the simple answer" was the items could not return, but "we can put it in an area that we believe will be more accessible, will still honor the fallen, it will be a place that is far better than having it inside a hall".
He earlier said it was decided to remove the memorial items "from a busy, noisy, and at times boozy place that was often unable to be accessed by those who wanted to visit it".
The three options are reinstating the items at the Marine Parade sun dial, at a new area linking Tennyson St with the viewing platform, or in the place of the Floral Clock - the preference of the working group, Mr Dalton, Heritage New Zealand, and the hall's original architect Guy Natusch.
When asked, Mr Natusch took to the stage last night, saying there was "absolutely no question" this was the most appropriate place.
Given the Floral Clock's proximity to the centre, this would "reunite" the memorial with its original location.
"You can't move [the building] to rejoin the roll of honour ... all must be reunited on the same site or within as close a relationship as possible."
After a quick survey of the audience, this appeared to be the most popular.
Mr Natusch also stated his preference the centre be renamed the Napier War Memorial Centre.
The council has floated the idea of returning the centre's original name to it, by renaming the large hall inside as the "War Memorial Hall".
"My reason is that I believe you need to ensure that it is seen as a complete centre, not two places," he said.
"I think there are problems ahead of you if you don't put this umbrella over the whole project."
The council had said it was hoped the chosen concept would be completed by Anzac Day next April, however meeting facilitator Liz Reid said this now looked to be "highly unlikely", as the council would not be rushing the project.
- Feedback can still be provided at napier.govt.nz/our-council/consultations/have-your-say/napier-war-memorial/
