OverviewPukeahu National War Memorial Park is an award-winning green space in the heart of Wellington. Pukeahu is a place of remembrance and connects to Māori, New Zealand’s Military History, and many other communities.Pukeahu is a destination for peaceful reflection, individual and group recreation, community events, education, and local, national, and international visitors. Pukeahu is a public space, and open to everyone.Pukeahu is cared for by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.This document outlines protocols and relevant information to help you plan your event at Pukeahu.Event bookings and Pukeahu staff contactEvent bookingAll events must be booked by email to ensure there are no clashes with other scheduled activities in the park.Pukeahu staff contactAll events require a Pukeahu staff member as your point of contact. They will facilitate booking the location of the event and with other site-based event logistics.ContactTo book please email:[email protected]Types of eventsPukeahu is well known for the national Anzac Day services held annually in the centre of the park, along with other commemorations. Pukeahu is also a suitable location for non-commercial community events and activations. We encourage the following activities:Recreation activities and gatheringsCultural eventsPerformancesToursEducational eventsCommemorative community events.Event areasPukeahu is split into five areas for events. Each area has different utilities and specifications. Some areas require special considerations about the kind of events that can be held there. Pukeahu is a public space. Image Zone one: Eastern terracesThe eastern end of Pukeahu is the outside area spanning from the Queen Elizabeth II Pukeahu Education Centre (Education Centre) up to Tory/Tasman Street. This area includes five terraced gardens/lawns - three of which are home to the Pacific Islands Memorial, Belgium Memorial and U.S. Memorial, a lane with two-hour visitor parking, and a pedestrian walkway. Event power is located in the Education Centre.Zone two: Anzac Square/central parkThe central area of Pukeahu, starts at the fountain on the southern edge of the park and spans across Anzac Square procession grounds to the Australian Memorial/Martin Square. The grass areas on either side of the Square, the Turkish Memorial, the pavilion on Tory/Tasman Street and the Mana Whenua gardens on either side of the National War memorial steps are also included in this area. This area has event power and domestic power outlets, public toilets, and water outlets. Tikanga (protocols) should be followed for Anzac Square, including, no commercial food or drink vendors or large-scale food or drink consumption.Zone three: Western terracesThe western area of Pukeahu runs from the U.K. Memorial down to Taranaki Street. The French Memorial, grass lawn, pavilion and pedestrian walkway are included in this area. Special considerations should be taken with health and safety for this area given its proximity to Taranaki Street, which can be busy with traffic.Zone four: National War MemorialThe National War Memorial area encompasses the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the Carillon Bell Tower, and the Hall of Memories. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is a grave site and is therefore wahi tapu (a sacred site). No events, other than commemorative ceremonies, may be held in this area unless agreed with Ministry staff.Zone five: Hall of MemoriesThe Hall of Memories commemorates New Zealanders who served and died during wars or conflict and holds the New Zealand Roll of Honour. It is currently closed while the Carillon Tower is being earthquake-strengthened. Some events may be hosted in this space when it reopens. This space has a maximum capacity of 120 people.CostHosting an event at Pukeahu is free for all non-profit, community events and charity events. If you wish to host a commercial event, please email [email protected] before organising your event.Pukeahu significance and tikanga (protocols)Pukeahu is a sacred place. It is home to memorials of national and international significance. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is a grave site and is therefore wahi tapu (a sacred site). There are specific tikanga (protocols) that must be followed in Pukeahu, including:No commercial or large-scale consumption of food/drink,food offering or food vendors in Zone two (Anzac Square area) or Zone four and five (National War Memorial areas).Memorials/artworkMemorials, artwork, interpretation, or any other park structures are not to be used or altered during an event unless agreed to by Ministry staff. Memorials should not be used to hang or support event infrastructure. Memorials are the taonga of Pukeahu – they must be cared for with respect.FacilitiesToiletsUnisex public toilets are located on the south-west corner of Anzac Square. For most events with more than 100 people event organisers will be required to arrange additional portable toilets, this should be determined with your Ministry staff contact.LightingThe park's pedestrian areas are lit in the evening.Power accessEvent power and domestic power outlets are located around Pukeahu and are accessible for some events. There is a cost to event organisers for the use of the event power.Water supplyWater outlets are located around the park and are accessible for some events. Drinking fountains are also available.Vehicle access and parkingVehicle access to the park is via Tory Street and Martin Square. Two mobility parks can be found off Martin Square and on the western side of the National War Memorial.There is limited, free two-hour parking available for visitors along the northern edge of the park. Access to free parking is via Martin Square, off Taranaki Street, and down the lane towards the Education Centre off Tory Street.Vehicles, including motor bikes and mopeds, are not permitted to be stopped or parked anywhere in the park that is not designated parking.Health and safetyHealth and safety is the responsibility of the event organiser. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), the event organiser has a duty of care to ensure no one is harmed because of the event.We’ve made a helpful checklist to inform event organisers of their responsibilities for running a safe event and what to do in an emergency.The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is not liable for the health and safety of events held at Pukeahu.Emergency InformationAn emergency is a situation that poses an immediate and serious threat to life, health, property, or the environment, and requires immediate action to address the situation and prevent further harm.Emergency ProceduresNearest DefibrillatorZ Taranaki Street155 Taranaki StreetAvailable 24/7Type of emergencyProcedureEarthquakeDrop, cover and hold. Stay away from large structures which may fall in outdoor areasTsunamiRemain in place until Civil Defence confirms it’s safe.FireDirect the evacuation away from the fire. Call 111Security eventStay in place if it is safe to do so. Call 111WeatherA decision may need to be made prior to, or during, a ceremony or event about cancelling the event. High winds may pose a risk if the event has infrastructure such as screens, marquees etc.ChecklistDo you have a first aid kit for your event?Does anyone supporting the event have a first aid certificate?Have you planned for a designated support person to assist with directing attendees in the event of an emergency?Prepare how you will you brief staff, volunteers, and attendees on health, safety, and emergency procedures for the event. Make sure to brief attendees to ensure they bring suitable clothing in case the weather changes e.g. hat, sunscreen, warm clothingMake sure your staff, volunteers, and attendees are aware of the significance and tikanga of Pukeahu.Have a plan for managing accessibility requirements.Organise enough adults to ensure children are always supervised and safe.Be prepared with a cancellation plan.Do you know what to do in an emergency?AccessibilityZones one, two and three have flat or ramp access from Taranaki Street, Tory/Tasman Street or Kent Terrace. Zones four and five are accessed by stairs. There is flat access on the western side of the National War Memorial.Promotion of your eventEvent organisers are responsible for the promotion of their event. Talk to your Ministry staff contact about how we may be able to support appropriate promotion of your event.Food and drinksNon-commercial large-scale food and drink consumption for events is permitted in most areas of the park, but requires approval from Ministry staff.AlcoholPukeahu is an alcohol-free area. More information can be found on Wellington City Council's website:Wellington Central alcohol control bylaw (Wellington City Council).Event pack-inEvent set-up responsibilityEvent organisers are responsible for the set-up of their event. Please agree set-up and pack-out plans with your Ministry staff contact. Support for set-up is not guaranteed.Structures and set-upEvent infrastructure, including, but not limited to, structures, tents/gazebos, and seating are not permitted to be attached or hung off any park infrastructure (e.g. trees, memorials, interpretation, lampposts), and must not damage anything in Pukeahu including lawn irrigation, grass, or gardens. For events with infrastructure, event organisers must provide a site plan to Ministry staff for approvalEvent pack-outResponsibility for clean upThe event organiser is responsible for ensuring any areas used for the event are left clean, tidy, and rubbish removed and disposed of offsite. The park should be left as it was found, with no damage to any lawn areas or gardens and all event infrastructure removed.Return of equipment or infrastructureIf any event equipment, resources, or infrastructure is issued for the event by Ministry staff, this must be returned to Pukeahu staff at the end of the event.Road closuresFootpath and road closures are managed through Wellington City Council. More information can be found on thier website:Using Roads for Events (Wellington City Council)Access to the parkWhile Pukeahu is open to the public, there are some restrictions placed on its use for the safety and security of the public and the protection of property.The law relating to criminal trespass applies to Pukeahu. If a verbal or written warning to leave the park is issued by a representative of Manatū Taonga (including employees, security contractors or police), those presented with the warning should comply. Failure to comply may result in prosecution.Camping is not permitted in any area of Pukeahu as outlined in section 13 and Schedule 1 of the Public Place Bylaw 2022.Public Place Bylaw 2022.Security PatrolsManatū Taonga engages First Contact Ltd to provide a security presence at Pukeahu to protect property, physical assets and ensure that kaimahi and visitors enjoy a safe environment.First Contact security staff will be identifiable by either a high visibility vest or jacket with the First Contact logo.