Council Backs Fast-track for Memorial Park

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says she is delighted Wellington City Council has agreed to provide considerable support for the creation of a new National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

The Council's Strategy and Policy Committee today agreed to support the fast-tracking of legislation to enable the park, to be called Pukeahu, to be developed by Anzac Day 2015 - the centenary of the Gallipoli landings.

The Committee also agreed that the Council will contribute a total of $5 million towards the park's development.

"The Pukeahu National War Memorial Park will have great significance at an international, national, civic and local level," says Mayor Wade-Brown.

"I'm delighted by Council's support for this park, which will provide a beautiful space for contemplation."

A portion of State Highway One between Sussex and Taranaki streets will also be diverted underneath the new park in a 'cut and cover' tunnel. Pukeahu was the name of a defended pa on the ridgetop site now occupied by Massey University - adjacent to the existing National War Memorial.

The Government is expected to spend around $60 million on the park and associated roading work.

Deputy Mayor and Lambton Ward Councillor Ian McKinnon says the park is positive for Wellington in a number of ways. "It will provide a focal point for the commemoration of the centenary of the Gallipoli landing in 2015," he says.

"Further, while offering another park for Wellingtonians to use throughout the year - which is particularly important with the increasing inner-city population - it will also ensure greater safety for students travelling to and from Massey University, Wellington High School and Mt Cook School."