Removal of Greymouth War Memorial Gates insensitive
New Zealand Historic Places Trust Information Release
8 January 2008
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) has condemned
the insensitive removal of the memorial gate pillars at the former Grey
Main School in Greymouth.
War memorials are part of the New Zealand cultural landscape. Practically
all towns in New Zealand have at least one memorial to those from the
area who died serving their country during World War One. Over 18,000
New Zealand men were killed in action or died of wounds or disease, with
most being buried in foreign lands, many with no known grave.
Because of this, war memorials function as a surrogate tomb or headstone,
a place to remember those who had, before the war, been part of a New
Zealand community. But the memorials are not all the same. In fact, there
is a real difference in types and symbolism employed in memorials around
the country. Each memorial was erected by its community with much consideration.
This is certainly the case with the Greymouth War Memorial Gates.
The Greymouth War Memorial Gates at the entrance to a site that was formerly
the Grey Main School on Tainui Street, Greymouth, represent a significant
community effort to recognise and commemorate 40 servicemen and women
previously associated with the school who died during service in World
War One. Like numerous other war memorials throughout New Zealand, the
entrance gates, which were erected in 1922, serve as a unique and significant
reminder of the sacrifice made by the people of that community.
When unveiled on Anzac Day 25 April 1922, only four years after the war
had ended, the gates were hailed as a powerful reminder and exemplar for
the community, especially for school pupils, so that the names commemorated
on the gates would never be forgotten.
Now that the Grey Main School is no longer located at this site the gates
also serve as a tangible reminder of the site of the earliest State School
in Greymouth - Grey Main School, first established on the site in 1878.
The NZHPT has been working to register the Gates as a Category II historic
place; this has involved research and consultation with key stakeholders,
including the site's owners. The NZHPT is extremely disappointed that
a process had been put in place to find a good heritage outcome for the
Gates, only for them to be removed, early on a Sunday morning, without
further consultation.
NZHPT registration is recognition that a place is significant and has
a heritage value to the community and all citizens of New Zealand. Despite
media reports to the contrary NZHPT did not hold a special meeting yesterday
to discuss this issue nor has it considered placing a covenant on the
gates.
NZHPT had hoped the Gates could be retained on their original site and
understands Greymouth District Council would also prefer to retain the
gates at their current location. But the council has also considered an
alternative location for the gates should that be the outcome of negotiations.
The action of removing the gates illustrates the vulnerability of New
Zealand's heritage in circumstances where items are not listed in District
Plans and consequently given some protection. District Plan listing provides
the protection - this insensitive removal should serve as a timely reminder
to all City, Regional and District Councils to ensure war memorials of
all forms are listed as protected items in their plans.
For more information:
Malcolm Duff
General Manager Southern
Ph: 03 377 3968 or 027 484 4088
Email: gmsouthern@historic.org.nz
| 
