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The Napier War Memorial, originally opened on 14 July 1957, was designed by esteemed architect Guy Natusch. Located on Marine Parade, the innovative building initially featured a conference hall, restaurant, Roll of Honour, Eternal Flame, fountain, and pond. Over the decades, the facility has undergone several transformations—in 1978, 1995, and most notably in 2017, when it was refurbished into a conferencing facility for Hawke’s Bay. During the 2017 upgrade, the Roll of Honour and Eternal Flame were removed, prompting a community-driven effort to reinstate these significant elements.
In November 2019, Napier City Council established the War Memorial Reference Group, comprising representatives from the Napier and Taradale RSAs, Historic Places Hawke’s Bay, community members, and council officers. Together, they worked tirelessly to restore the memorial’s historical and cultural integrity. In March 2021, the group agreed on the restoration concept drawings, which were presented to the community before being formally adopted by the Council.
On 6 August 2023, the restored Napier War Memorial and its iconic Floral Clock were officially rededicated and reopened to the public. The ceremony, led by Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise, highlighted the memorial’s importance as a tribute to the fallen and a sanctuary for the community.
The restoration reinstated the Roll of Honour plaques, Eternal Flame, mauri stone, and flagpoles. The curved wall featuring the plaques is painted in Prairie Sand, a colour that closely matches the 1957 original. Additional features include ceiling panels adorned with red and purple accents symbolising poppies and animals of war.
The Floral Clock, gifted by the Hurst family in 1955, was meticulously restored and replanted with flowers grown in Napier’s nursery. A historic birdbath from the 1930s now graces the memorial’s grounds near the lower pond.
The restoration was a significant collaborative effort involving nearly 100 skilled professionals, including architects, engineers, landscapers, and artists, alongside the unwavering support of the Napier community. As part of the reopening, the venue’s ballroom was renamed the Natusch Ballroom, honouring the original architect’s legacy.
Today, the Napier War Memorial stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and community pride, preserving its history while embracing the future.
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