The Napier War Memorial Restoration

The Napier War Memorial Hall was designed by Guy Natusch and was opened on Marine Parade on 14 July 1957. The stylish and innovative building incorporated a conference hall and restaurant, a Roll of Honour with an Eternal Flame, fountain and pond. The facility has been altered on a number of occasions, firstly in 1978, then again in 1995 and most recently in 2017. The 2017 refurbishment transformed the Napier War Memorial Centre into a state-of-the-art conferencing facility for Hawke's Bay. As a result of the upgrade, both the Roll of Honour and Eternal Flame were removed.

In November 2019, Napier City Council formed a reference group to help restore the Napier War Memorial. The reference group includes members from the Napier and Taradale RSA's, Historic Places Hawke's Bay, community representatives and Napier City Council.

In March 2021, the War Memorial Reference Group agreed to the restoration concept drawings. The approved drawings were presented to the community on 22 March 2021 before being formally adopted by Council.

The completed Napier War Memorial and refurbished Floral Clock were officially re-dedicated and opened to the public on 6 August 2023.

Napier War Memorial Concept Design Fly-through

DOWNLOAD THE CONCEPT DRAWINGS

War Memorial Key Design Objective

That the reinstated Memorial be constructed at forecourt level, on the floral clock site, forming part of the War Memorial Site,
That a curved wall, open to the elements, reflective of the ballroom shape and physically connected to the building, display the Roll of Honour,
That the Perpetual Flame form part of the existing War Memorial Building Entrance so that it is visible when entering the building, from the Memorial and externally at night,
That water be incorporated into the design that is near to and complements the flame so that they can be viewed together,
That a place/s to sit and reflect be included,
That physical access and visual connection to the formal lawn be incorporated,
That remembrance artwork be incorporated into the design to connect the Memorial space with the Memorial Building and lower lawn, uniting the Memorial elements,
That landscaping is included that complements and promotes restful contemplation and unites the Memorial Building with the Memorial elements,
That the design include flag poles connecting the Memorial and Memorial building,
That WW1 and WW2 Rolls be displayed in a prominent way flowing onto consecutive conflicts’ Rolls,
That the original physical Roll of Honour be respectfully incorporated into the design and that a small committee of appropriate representatives are given this brief to provide Council a recommendation on ‘how to incorporate’.

Status:

Completed

Budget:

$2M

Napier War Memorial Opening Event

Napier War Memorial Centre Project Update

Napier Rolls of Honour

During the 2018 research period, further information about those whose names appeared on the Napier War Memorial plaques was uncovered. So too, was information about people whose names should be added to the Napier Rolls of Honour.

People are invited to read the Rolls of Honour and check the details of loved ones whose names appear.