New Zealand Memorial, Canberra

Published 12 May, 2011 by Editor

A memorial celebrating the co-operative relationship between New Zealand and Australia was unveiled by the Prime Ministers of both countries at a dedication ceremony in Canberra on 24 April 2001.

Situated at the head of Canberra's ceremonial avenue, Anzac Parade, the memorial takes the form of two bronze arches, each representing the handle of a flax basket or kete. Based on the proverb 'Mau tena kiwai o te kete, maku tenei' or 'Each of us at a handle of the basket', the kete symbolises the shared 'load' and experience of Australians and New Zealanders, with the dynamic form of the handles emphasising the ongoing evolution of that relationship.

Each handle is distinct, with one handle representing Australia, and the other New Zealand. On the Australian side, Daisy Nadjungdanga from Maningruda in the Northern Territory has designed an Aboriginal motif for the paving beneath the handle, using stone of Australian origin. Toi te Rito Maihi and Allen Wihongi from Northland have created a Māori design for the paving on the New Zealand side, with the stone originating from Coromandel, Golden Bay and Canterbury.

The special bond forged between Australia and New Zealand during times of war is acknowledged on the paved area beneath each handle. In a ceremony on 26 February 2001, soil from Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli was buried in a rimu box on the New Zealand side, while on the Australian side, soil from Lone Pine, Gallipoli was buried in a box made from Australian jarrah. The campaigns in which New Zealanders and Australians have served side by side are also inscribed on concentric circles radiating from each handle.

Dedication of the New Zealand Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra media release.

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