LOCAL NEWS
A DEDICATED EREBUS MEMORIAL PARK FOR THE NATIONAL EREBUS MEMORIAL On 28 November 1979, 257 lives were lost when flight TE901 crashed on Mt Erebus, Antarctica. The ensuing failures of the government of the day, and Air New Zealand, compounded the suffering of Erebus families including those involved in the ice phase (recovery). Forty years on, 28 November 2019, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, apologised, “for the actions of the airline then in full state ownership”.
• Adjacent to Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa which is the subject of a major upgrade. Te Tokaroa is home to diverse wildlife on the - It is also dog walking friendly. shores of the Waitemata.
A pledge was given to build a National Erebus Memorial but the question remains, where?
• Be a destination in its own right and be a true place for reflection and remembrance.[1]
Proposal for a dedicated, purpose-built, Erebus Memorial Park.
The design concept of the Erebus Memorial Park has two key elements:
The purpose of this kaupapa is to develop the opportunity for a dedicated Erebus Memorial Park for the National Erebus Memorial, for the consideration of all those affected by the Erebus tragedy and the wider community.
The upper, formal area incorporates the Te Paerangi Ataata - Skysong (the existing proposed Memorial design element) that looks skyward and toward Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa, the rock formation built by fairies out into the harbour to escape at night before the morning light. The outfall on the eastern side of the reef is from the springs that were the second major water source for the nascent city.
The proposed Western Springs Precinct location presents the following key opportunities: • A dedicated Erebus Memorial Park • Central Auckland location, close to major transport links motorway, bus, cycleway and carparking • Adjacent the aviation section of the Museum of Transport and Technology - opportunity for ongoing education on the Erebus tragedy and for long term, inter-generational remembrance
34 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2021
The lower, walled garden includes opportunity for a waterfall and fresh water reflection pool within a private, garden setting. The lower aspect of the site is currently a carpark. The Erebus Memorial Park would transform asphalt to grass, trees and water-source, a place of new life and renewal, and provide opportunity for family members to select trees for this living memorial. [1] Refer to Boffa Miskell, Erebus Memorial Site Selection Process, 17 August 2018.
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
