New Zealand Memorial in London – frequently asked questions
Why are there sixteen standards?
The number sixteen does not have any intrinsic significance. Ten standards were placed in a regimented group, like soldiers in line or a haka group. The other six are the stars of the Southern Cross and have the crossed lights on them that light up at night. Find out more about the standards.
Why is it called the 'Southern Stand'?
The New Zealand Memorial 'Southern Stand' represents the Southern Cross within it. The constellation has been worked into the design so as to be instantly recognisable to New Zealanders (and other visitors to the memorial), when lit at night. So the name 'Southern Stand' is because the standards point to the south, where 'home' is in the southern Hemisphere.
Who looks after the New Zealand Memorial?
The New Zealand Memorial is managed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage in New Zealand, but future maintenance of the memorial will be done by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission.
What time of night do the lights go on that are on the top of the standards?
The lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn. They are most visible when the sky has turned from the deeper blue to the black of night.
Are there any protocols that need to be followed at the Memorial, e.g. Can I eat a picnic at the site, and can I have wedding photos there?
The memorial is intended to be a place in London where all New Zealanders can feel at home. It is hoped that the site will be used and visited year round. But like any special place it should be treated with respect. Private picnics or wedding photos would be encouraged, but anyone thinking of organising an event there should first check with the New Zealand High Commission.
What ceremonies will take place at the memorial in the future?
The memorial is a gathering place for New Zealanders. It is expected that an ANZAC Day service will be held at the memorial but it may also become a place to gather for Waitangi Day celebrations.
What is the memorial for?
The New Zealand Memorial commemorates the long relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and serve as a focus of remembrance of the shared sacrifice during the two World Wars and other military engagements from the South African War to the present day.
page topWhy London?
The UK capital is the ideal place for such a memorial as it is the seat of government and the place where the greatest number of ex-pat New Zealanders live. It is also home to a number of other Commonwealth memorials.
Why Hyde Park Corner?
The site was suggested by English Heritage with the support of Westminster City Council. Hyde Park Corner is an important ceremonial space and, along with the recently completed Australian Memorial on the opposite corner of the site, the New Zealand Memorial will provide a much needed focus for Anzac Day and other commemorations.
Why now?
In an increasingly globalised world, it is all the more important that people are able to assert their own national identity. The development of memorials such as this one reflects New Zealand's strengthening national identity by recognising the significant part we played in wars overseas and the impact that participation had on this country. Related to this is an increasing demand by young New Zealanders, particularly when they are overseas, to express their national identity on occasions such as Anzac Day. This memorial provides a place for the many thousands of New Zealanders living in London to do that.
How much will it cost and who is paying?
The budget for the design and construction of the memorial is NZ$3 million or approximately UK£1 million. It is being paid for by the New Zealand government.
page topWho designed it?
The memorial design is a collaboration between Dibble Art Co and Athfield Architects, led by sculptor Paul Dibble and architect John Hardwick-Smith, with Jon Rennie as the team's London representative. (For more information, see the Design concept and artists profiles page.)
How was the design selected?
In October 2004, 12 designs teams were selected from the 68 who submitted expressions of interest. These teams submitted designs for the memorial, and an expert panel, appointed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, selected the final design. Since that time, the design has been refined and submitted to Westminster City Council for planning approval. This approval has been received.
What does it look like? What words and images are going to be on it?
The design is based around 16 bronze sculptures set out in a formation across a grassy slope overlooking Hyde Park Corner. The sculptures, which are each configured as a cross when seen from above, will feature words and images that evoke the themes of the memorial. (For more information, see Design concept and artists page.)