Eternal Flame photo released

A photo provided by Napier City Council of the Eternal Flame now housed temporarily in Onekawa. Photo Supplied

Napier City Council has released a photo of the Eternal Flame removed from the Napier Conference Centre.

The removal of the flame and the Roll of Honour caused widespread concern after their current whereabouts was not initially divulged.

Also removed were the words "War Memorial'' from the building's name, which the council said was because the purpose of the building was commercial and a new location would be found for the memorials.

The hall, built in 1956 from community fundraising to commemorate those who laid down their lives in World War II, was first called the War Memorial Hall. It was renovated and enlarged by the Napier City Council in 1995 and renamed the Napier War Memorial Conference Centre.

A council spokesperson yesterday said the flame was being kept alight at the council's Onekawa service depot adjoining the council dog pound.

Requests from Hawke's Bay Today to photograph the two items were declined.

"We are taking great care of the flame, however we are restricting access to it until a new permanent home is found," the spokesperson said.

"It is being checked on a daily basis to ensure it continues to burn bright."