David Russell (left), Andrew Cuckney, Teresa Wills, Lawrie Atkinson, Adele Gardiner, David Senior and Raewyn Taaffe considered landscaping concepts for Kaitaia's Remembrance Park. Photo / Supplied
David Russell (left), Andrew Cuckney, Teresa Wills, Lawrie Atkinson, Adele Gardiner, David Senior and Raewyn Taaffe considered landscaping concepts for Kaitaia's Remembrance Park. Photo / Supplied
Kaitaia's Remembrance Park - which includes one of New Zealand's first memorials to the victims of World War I - is set for a major revamp.
The $150,000 upgrade was agreed at a meeting last week between representatives of the Far North (Kaitaia) RSA, Kaitaia Business Association, Angel Restoration Group,Te Hiku Community Board and Far North District Council.
They considered public feedback on landscaping concepts prepared by Kaeo landscape architect Paul Quinlan and Mangonui landscape design firm Northland Enterprises.
Te Hiku Community Board chairman Lawrie Atkinson said community consultation drew 96 responses.
"People said they liked elements of both proposals, so what we've come up with is a combination of each."
The plan includes plenty of open space, better access for people with disabilities and bollards to stop vehicles driving on the park. A water feature will not be included due to concerns about maintenance costs. The rear of the memorial will instead be clad with a mosaic.
Construction was likely to start in late winter or early spring and be ready in time for the memorial's 100th anniversary on March 24, 2016.
"Remembrance Park is the place where the community remembers those from Te Hiku who have given their lives for their country. For the last few years, it has looked increasingly shabby. I'm delighted it will now get the upgrade it has long deserved," Mr Atkinson said.
The memorial, in a park at the corner of Melba St and Matthews Ave, was erected in March 1916, less than a year after the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign began and while World War I was still being fought.
It was one of the first in New Zealand and is unique in that its inscription is fully bilingual. The driving force behind the memorial was Riapo Te Ripi Puhipi (Leopold Busby), a Te Rarawa chief from Pukepoto, who spearheaded the community fundraising drive.
One of the angel's arms on the monument was broken off about 20 years ago but replaced earlier this month thanks to local Vietnam veterans and sculptor Paul Marshall. A new bronze plaque, adding the names of Mangonui County soldiers left off the original list, is planned.
The memorial is listed by Heritage New Zealand as a Category 1 Historic Place.
Funding for the upgrade is included in the council's proposed Long Term Plan 2015-25. Councillors will make a final decision in June.
