War memorial is almost complete

Whangarei's new war memorial will be unveiled on March 28. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A lick of gold-leaf paint is one of the final touches needed for Whangarei's new war memorial.

The unveiling date of the Laurie Hall Park memorial - which includes the city's Cenotaph, which has been relocated from Rose St - has been set.

The remaining work - including completing gold-leaf lettering of names of some of Whangarei's war dead - is expected to be finished by next month.

Whangarei RSA and Whangarei District Council were hoping to firm up details about the March 28 unveiling ceremony within the next week.

The new memorial will be the centre of the district's Anzac Day commemorations, marking the 100th anniversary of New Zealand and Australian forces landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, in World War I.

"The New Zealand Defence Force is deciding what support it can give to the occasion even though their resources are stretched because of the World War I commemorations taking place throughout New Zealand," Whangarei RSA Trust chairman Archie Dixon said.

Engraving the names of 600 of Whangarei's war dead on the memorial was recently completed, with the 470 names on the black granite panels painted with silver, and the 130 names on the cenotaph to be painted with gold-leaf, Mr Dixon said.

"The RSA veterans and general membership are well pleased with the progress being made with the new memorial and congratulate the council team with regards to consultation with the RSA, and innovation.

"We are looking forward to having the extended families of the war dead join us for the unveiling."

A serviceman for 27 years in territorial and regular forces, Mr Dixon described seeing the memorial come to fruition as a "humbling experience".

"Because these war-dead names are people who were somebody's loved ones in the Whangarei district, so this a dream coming true to have their names in a public place. These names belong to all of us. It brings significant satisfaction to the war veterans who returned and are still alive that those who were killed alongside them are at last getting recognition."

-The RSA is seeking funding from businesses and individuals to help cover additional costs, such as a special platform for flag bearers and outdoor seating near the memorial. Those who wish to donate should contact Mr Dixon on 0273195109.