Carillon could be National Historic Landmark

By Frank Neill

Public submissions are sought for the proposed recognition of the National War Memorial – which includes the iconic Carillion – as a National Historic Landmark.

If it is recognised, the National War Memorial will be the second place recognised as a National Historic Landmark. The first was the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is seeking submissions, which close on 1 March.

The National War Memorial represents those who have served and fallen in overseas wars and peacekeeping operations. Set in a landscape of great cultural and historical significance, the memorial reflects New Zealand’s national identity through its architecture and the events it commemorates.

“The National War Memorial is a special place for New Zealanders and without it we would lose something very important,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief Executive Andrew Coleman.

“It is the country’s foremost symbol of national and personal remembrance and reflection, the focal point of generations of memory.”

The memorial, located in Mt Cook next to the Dominion Museum, consists of the Carillon with steps and fountain, completed in 1932.

The Hall of Memories was completed in 1964; and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was installed in 2004.

The Carillon, featuring the third largest musical instrument of its type in the world, is the centrepiece of the National War Memorial, with its 51-metre-high tower a visible landmark.

The National Historic Landmarks/N Manawhenua o Aotearoa me uru programme has been established to better recognise and protect this country’s most outstanding heritage places that are cornerstones of our identity as New Zealanders.

“National Historic Landmarks are significant and meaningful places that shape our national identity,” Mr Coleman says.

“The aim of National Historic Landmarks is to protect those heritage places most important to New Zealanders through long-term risk planning and management, including from natural disaster.

“Our most cherished places are taonga that deserve strategic conservation and enduring protection.”