Planned memorial for RSA hits snag

A plan to erect a $700,000 tribute to the returned servicemen of South Auckland has struck a hitch.

On Monday, Manurewa community board approved a grant of $401,630 towards a purpose-built RSA war memorial in Manukau Memorial Gardens, on Puhinui Rd.

Manurewa and Papatoetoe RSAs joined forces to contribute a further $69,300 towards the $693,000 project, leaving a balance of $222,070 it was hoped would be picked up by the Papatoetoe community board. But at a meeting on Tuesday, Papatoetoe deferred consideration of the funding, pending advice as to whether the project is eligible to receive ASB Trust funding.

Manurewa, with 1700 members, is the larger of the two RSAs so was asked to supply the bulk of the memorial funding. Both Manurewa and Papatoetoe boards have funding cash that can be accessed through a Community Facilities Partnership Scheme.

However, agenda figures show the $222,070 grant - if approved - would have completely cleaned out the Papatoetoe coffers.

Papatoetoe board chairman Gary Troup said yesterday that he was "certainly not anti the project", the board simply wanted to get a second opinion on ASB funding. It is understood an application had been earlier prepared, but not pursued after it was learned the application would not be successful.

Mr Troup said Papatoetoe board deputy Phillip Greenbank was a member of the ASB Trust board, and he would attempt to confirm the RSA memorial's eligibility for funding.

It is expected an answer would be available by the end of the week, with a special meeting planned in the next few weeks. If the ASB refused to fund the project, Papatoetoe Community Board would have to look once again at funding the entire $222,000, Mr Troup said.

Manukau Community Board chairman Daniel Newman said he was disappointed Papatoetoe had opted to delay its decision.

"There are some projects and initiatives that are so important and so significant that you have to look beyond the financial impact on one's balance sheet." Mr Newman described the RSA project as "a cut above" many typical funding applications. As 2006 is the year of the veteran, and the number of veterans was ever decreasing, the proposed memorial took on added urgency, he said.


Remembering them

A $700,000 RSA memorial proposed for Manukau Memorial Gardens could include:
* A main cenotaph for celebrations and gatherings.
* Granite panels of remembrance.
* Flag pole for "ceremonies and national pride".
* Landscaped contemplation area.
* A site for funeral services for servicemen and RSA members.
* A tourist "focal point".