The Napier War Memorial Restoration

Why has the floral clock been removed?

It is being restored and it will be returned to the site, at a different location, at the appropriate time.

It was constructed before the Napier War Memorial Centre and can be a stand-alone feature, however it has always been associated with the War Memorial Centre, so Council would like to keep it as such through the design process.

What is happening behind the fence?

The site is surrounded by a fence for health and safety reasons, while the work is underway, and will stay there until the project is almost finished. 

The contractor is completing the first of the physical works before Christmas 2022.

How long will the project take?

We would like it to be completed by March 2023. However, as with many projects planned since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be impacted by unforeseen delays. High demand on the construction sector, and supply issues are two major factors currently impacting projects in Hawke’s Bay and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

1. That the reinstated Memorial be constructed at forecourt level, on the floral clock site, forming part of the War Memorial Site,
2. That a curved wall, open to the elements, reflective of the ballroom shape and physically connected to the building, display the Roll of Honour,
3. 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,
4. That water be incorporated into the design that is near to and complements the flame so that they can be viewed together,
5. That a place/s to sit and reflect be included,
6. That physical access and visual connection to the formal lawn be incorporated,
7. That remembrance artwork be incorporated into the design to connect the Memorial space with the Memorial Building and lower lawn, uniting the Memorial elements,
8. That landscaping is included that complements and promotes restful contemplation and unites the Memorial Building with the Memorial elements,
9. That the design include flag poles connecting the Memorial and Memorial building,
10. That WW1 and WW2 Rolls be displayed in a prominent way flowing onto consecutive conflicts’ Rolls,
11. 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’.