Peace Monuments in New Zealand / Aotearoa

Click here for peace monuments in Australia.

Right click image to enlarge.

A R C H

1920 - Peace Arch, Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt, near Wellington (New Zealand). This arch is similar to arches which were apparently constructred in many different countries at the end of WW-I. Note light bulbs and flags of allied nations afixed to the arch. Click here for a description of WW-I peace celebrations in New Zealand.

B L D G

1922 - Kosai County Peace Memorial, Balcairn, Canterbury (New Zealand). "The Ashley on the building refers to the merging of the Kowai & Ashley Counties in 1967. Houses two plaques, one for First World War the other Second World War." Click here for monuments constructed after WW-I with "peace memorial" in their names.

H A L L

1926 - Peace Memorial Hall, Ophir, Central Otago (New Zealand). "One of a number of historic buildings in picturesque Ophir, a small town at the entrance to the Ida Valley." "Built by local builder John McKnight. Has an excellent dancing floor with the boards being only 5 cms (2 inches) wide. Still the centre of community life & is used for many functions & events." Information courtesy of Paul Bedggood 26Oct12. Apparently a number of "War Memorial Halls" was also constructed in New Zealand after WW-I.

P A I N T I N G

1944 - "Dona Nobis Pacem (Ralph Vaughan Williams)," Flether Trust Collection, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington (New Zealand). Oil on canvas, 786 x 680 mm. "Rita Angus [1908-1970] admired the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams [1872-1958], who taught her close friend Douglas Lilburn [1915-2001] in London in the late 1930s. Vaughan Williams was a well-known pacifist & composed the cantata Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant us peace) in 1936. Angus includes scenes from her own life. The apple branch symbolises the pacifist community at Riverside, where she may have had the idea for the painting. She sketched the deserted homestead at nearby Pangatotara. The blonde child on the beach might be Angus herself as a girl."

S T O N E

S T O N E

1987 - Parihaka Prisoners Memorial, North Cemetery, Dunedin, Otago (New Zealand). "Commemorates the Taranaki Maori who died while prisoners in Dunedin. Most of the deaths were from illness, chiefly tuberculosis. The largest group were followers of the pacifist Maori leader Te Whiti and were taken prisoner in the Crown raid on Parihaka [in 1881]. The other monument to these northern prisoners is the retaining harbour walls they built along Portobello Road. The kohatu (rock) named 'Rongo' [right image] is a memorial to the Maori prisoners from Parihaka in Taranaki, who after being held without trial were sent to the Dunedin jail and put to work on various public works, including the Peninsula Road, which was opened as far as Portobello by the late 1870's. The memorial perpetuates the peace aspired to by Te Whiti-o-Rongomai & his uncle Tehu Kakahi, who established the pa at Parihaka in the late 1870's and espoused a philosophy of peaceful resistance in the face of colonial aggression." Information 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Dunedin (NZ).

S T O N E

Date? - Te Ahi Ka Roa, Queen Elizabeth II Square, Auckland (New Zealand). "Represents continued tribal occupation, possession & guardianship of lands, waterways & taongta by Ngati Whatua ki Tamaki & their responsibility as the host tribe to care for visitors & the environment. #15 on the "Auckland Peace Heritage Walk." The Customs Street edge of QEII Square is the scene of a Palestinian human rights protest every first Saturday of the month from 2:00 pm." Image & information 20Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ).

M O S A I C

After 1985 - Greenpeace Memorial, Marsden Wharf, Auckland (New Zealand). "The Greenpeace anti-nuclear protest ship Rainbow Warrior was berthed at Marsden Wharf when, on July 10, 1985, it was bombed by agents of the French secret service." Information courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ): "Mosaic in memory of the sinking of the ship 'Rainbow Warrior,' by French saboteurs - a terrible event in our history - July 1985. I was in Auckland. A camerman lost his life." Right image shows the wrecked ship in 1985.

M U R A L

Date? - Rainbow Warrior Mural, Auckland (New Zealand). "Commemorates the sinking of the Greenpeace flagship 'Rainbow Warrior' at Marsden Wharf on 10 July 1985." #14 on the "Auckland Peace Heritage Walk." Image 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Dunedin (NZ).

T O W E R

1990 - Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Memorial, Matauri Bay, Northland (New Zealand). Sculpted by Chris Booth. "Commissioned by Ngati Kura & New Zealand China Clays to commemorate the sinking of the Greenpeace ship 'Rainbow Warrior' by French agents in 1985. Obtaining the local materials by sea was fraught with difficulties as this is the Pacific Ocean & storms were prevalent that year. Despite giving time for the project, funding was hard to come by. However, local support was generous. Reparation funds from the French government paid the final bills."

S I G N

Date? - "Keep NZ Nuclear Free," City? (New Zealand). Information 17Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ). In 1987, New Zealand passed legislation to make the country nuclear free. This photo was taken by "Gil Hanly (b. 1934), a leading New Zealand photographer who has documented major social movements & public events since the early 1970's. Her involvement & support of the peace movement is longstanding, with strong ties to the women’s movement, a significant force in the campaign for nuclear disarmament."

P L A Q U E

May 25, 1991 - Amnesty International Commemorative Plaque, on riverbank reserve, Kilmore & Madras Streets, Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch (New Zealand). "Brass plaque on concrete plinth at base of tree, commemorating 25 years of Amnesty International working in New Zealand."

P L A Q U E

1993 - Kate Sheppard Memorial, Avon River Bank, Christchurch (New Zealand). "Memorial to Kate Sheppard [1847-1934] & the other women who worked to gain a vote for women [in 1893]."

M U R A L

1993 - Women's Suffrage Mural, Khartoum Place, Auckland (New Zealand). Created by Jan Morrison. "Stairway painted [with a] 2000-tile memorial & fountain dedicated to Auckland's & New Zealand women's suffrage movement, New Zealand in 1893 having become the first country to provide full suffrage to women." Inscribed "Women's Sufrage Centenary, 1893-1993." #8 on the "Auckland Peace Heritage Walk." Right image 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Dunedin (NZ). "I have often wondered how one of the most influential movements in the world was commemorated with that ugly mural."

F L A M E

L A N T E R N

G A R D E N

June 25, 1994 - Peace Flame, Peace Flame Garden, Wellington Botanical Gardens, Wellington (New Zealand). Stone lantern "holds a flame ignited by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Presented by the Japanese people to New Zealand in honour of this country's unilateral steps to halt the spread of atomic weapons through its Anti-Nuclear Act." Dedicated by Fran Wilde, Mayor of Wellington, & Saga San, Abbot of Toshogu Shrine (qv), Ueno, Tokyo (Japan). /// "The black, pointed panel, with W87, beside the green 'Peace Flame' sign board, is the size of that ballistic nuclear weapon, re-entry vehicle. The, cone shaped, W87 is eighteen times as powerful yet, 1/18 the weight, of the Hiroshima A-bomb."

M A R K E R

1995 - Sri Chinmoy Peace Marker, Cuba Street, Wellington (New Zealand). Plaque: "Wellington. A Sri Chinmoy Peace Capital. A world of peace and harmony has been humanity’s dream since time immemorial. In this spirit the peace-loving people of Wellington are proud to dedicate their graceful city as a Sri Chinmoy Peace Capital and join the global family of Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossoms – significant and inspiring places around the world dedicated to world harmony. Such a dedication honours our city’s historic commiktment to peace… In dedicating Wellington as a Peace Capital may the spirit of peace spread from person to person and nation to nation and may the day dawn when all people live together as one.”" "Over 800 Sri Chinmoy Peace Markers are dedicated to the goal of peace and can be found in 50 nations around the world." Click here for list of 10 Sri Chinmoy peace cities in New Zealand.

P L A Q U E

1996 - UN Year of Peace Commemorative Plaque, Riverbank Reserve, Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch (New Zealand). Stainless steel plaque on concrete plinth at base of tree opposite the Theosophical Society.

B E N C H

2002 - "Seat of Peace," Ngataringa Park, Devonport, Auckland (New Zealand). Also known as the "Dragon Seat." By Karen Kennedy. "Where I used to live. A mosaic piece with a message [on the back] from the late yachtsman Sir Peter Blake [1948-2001]: "Live in Your Dreams." He was murdered by pirates in Brazil while on a peace mission to save our oceans." Left image & information 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ). Front inscribed "Sit ... Be at Peace With Nature. Hear the Song of Ngataringa." /// Right image shows "Lyndsay Brock [who] says there have been about 14 attacks on the seat in seven years. The North Shore City Council parks department & the working party have met & a new spot is being discussed. Ms. Brock says a lot of drinking & antisocial behaviour goes on in the park, & she thinks the culprits are locals."

H A N D S

September 12, 2002 - "Handspan" (Wanganui Culture of Peace Sculpture), Wanganui, North Island (New Zealand). A double-spiral pathway whose walls are covered with more than 4,000 clay hand casts. Created by "Peace Through Unity," an international NGO based in Wanganui. Designed by local artist Ross Mitchell-Anyon.

S I G N

2004 - "Welcome to Wellington, Capital of Nuclear Free New Zealand," Wellington (New Zealand). "A petition demanding the installation of the peace symbol on two new signs [was] accepted by council [in March 2012]. The 45-signature petition was presented to the council by Maria van der Meel, president of The City is Ours group. 'We want two new signs for our 30th anniversary as a nuclear weapon free city [in 2012], one at the airport & another at the waterfront,' she says. A new sign [left image] replaced the original one [right image] which is now being displayed at the Museum of City and Sea in 2004. However, the replacement sign is on the wrong side of the road, unlit & without the peace symbol. 'The previous sign had one and it completed the message, the peace symbol speaks for itself and could be a tourist attraction,' Ms van der Meel says. 'The sign is very important, it tells people who we are and what we stand for.'"

M U R A L

Date? - Mural, where, Christchurch (New Zealand). Inscribed "Nuclear Free Since 1982: Peace on Earth."

S T O N E

April 5, 2005 - Nga Uri O Hinetuparimaunga, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton (New Zealand). "Now you are into the Maori!" "A Maori-themed sculpture by Chris Booth & Diggeress Te Kanawa composed of stone columns, one of them covered by a protective woven pebble cloth." "Along with protection, the Kakahu also symbolically honours the wonder of mother earth." Image & information 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ).

T R E E

November 1, 2005 - Guy Ngan's Millennium Tree, Auckland (New Zealand). "Gifted to Auckland by the Chinese community of New Zealand. Inspired by the wand of the Monkey King of Chinese legend, which could dispel all obstacles." #17 on the "Auckland Peace Heritage Walk." Image 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ).

S T O N E

December 25, 2005 - Peace Rock, Waiheke Island, near Auckland, North Island (New Zealand). Inscribed "Peace Rock. Dedicated to New Zealand's Finest and Those Who Have Given Their All For Our Freedom and peace. 'Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.' John 15.13. Jesus Christ 30-33 AD. December 25, 2005. Charles & Lisa Hawwood." Right image 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Dunedin (NZ).

M U R A L

2006 - VAANA Peace Mural, Karangahnape Road at Ponsonby Road, Auckland (New Zealand). Mural 50 meters wide by Visual Artists Against Nuclear Arms (VAANA). Many panels, inscribed "no nuclear fire for Amber," "Nuclear free Aotearoa [New Zealand]," "No nukes is good nukes," etc. #5 on the "Auckland Peace Heritage Walk." Left image 16Oct12 & right image 19Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ). Middle image shows former Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) spokeswoman Maire Leadbeater.

B E L L

October 3, 2006 - World Peace Bell (WPB), Botanic Garden, Hagley Park, Christchurch (New Zealand). This is the latest and may be the last of about 20 WPB's distributed worldwide by the World Peace Bell Association (WPBA) of Toyko (Japan).

C L O A K

October 21, 2006 - "Te Korowai Rangimarie / Cloak of Peace," Peace Symbols Zone, Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki (Japan). By artist Kingsley Baird. "A gift from the New Zealand government, the cities of Christshurch, Wellington, Auckland, Napier, Whakatane & Waitakere & the Peace Foundation's Disarmament and Security Centre."

W A L K

Date? - Wellington Peace Walk, Wellington Botanic Garden, Wellington (New Zealand). "Wellington City has planted a number of trees, and installed a range of sculptures and monuments, commemorating peace and peacemakers. The ones in the Botanical Gardens and inner city can be viewed through a [50-minute] leisurely walk." Website identifies 15 peace monuments.

W A L K

2008? - Christchurch Peace Walk, Christchurch (New Zealand). "Two kilometre corridor with reminders & commemorations to peace... Established by Christchurch City Council & Peace Foundation Disarmament & Security Centre... Includes: • Fire Fighters Memorial • Clock Tower • Elsie Locke Park • Site of Lantern Ceremonies • Queen Victoria Statue • Cenotaph at Cathedral Square & Cathedral Square • Memorial to Vivienne Mountfort • Kate Sheppard National Memorial • Purple Plum Tree • Bridge of Remembrance • Peace Pole & Friendship Corner • Bandman’s Rotunda • Dalai Lama Stone • Camphor Tree • Rotary Plaque • [World] Peace Bell."

W A L K

September 27, 2009 - Auckland Peace Heritage Walk, Auckland (New Zealand). "A self-guided walk around peace sites in central Auckland. This walk was created as part of the World March for Peace & Nonviolence, as a UN Association of New Zealand Peace Day event & as an event in the Auckland Heritage Festival on 27 Sept 2009."

G A R D E N

M U R A L

2009 - Peace Garden & Mural, Selwyn College, Auckland (New Zealand). "Inspired by former Principal Carol White, the concept was to have a surrounding shelter of native trees with the heart of the garden made up of raised vegetable beds. Primarily it is a model garden showing newly-arrived refugees what vegetables grow in New Zealand. It provides produce for needy families & is a safe quiet place for reflection & contemplation. The mural that overlooks the garden was funded by the Auckland City Council. The mural & garden beds complement each other in that they embody the sense of peace & place we believe to be central to settlement issues for our students." Image & information 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ).

G A R D E N

Date? - CND Garden, Avondale, Auckland (New Zealand). CND is the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Image & information 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Dunedin (NZ).

W H A T ?

Date? - Garden?, City? (New Zealand). Image 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Dunedin (NZ).

W H A T ?

Date? - What?, City? (New Zealand). Image 16Oct12 courtesy of Margaret Thomson, Denedin (NZ).

G A T E

2010? - Waharoa, Queen Street entrance, Aotea Square, Auckland (New Zealand). "Waharoa means Gateway in Maori. Arch formed in wood & copper by Selwyn Muru, a Maori sculptor. This is an expressionist version of a traditional Maori entry gate. It features symbols like birds, fish & the crescent moon & stars but also elements like the nuclear disarmament symbol, reflecting the modern influences on New Zealand art."

C O R N

Date? - "Peace on Earth," Mount Gabriel Corn Maze, Drury, near Auckland (New Zealand). "Downright peaceful from above. Photo by Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR)."

P O L E

2011? - Peace Pole, Riverton, South Island (New Zealand). "Here is a photo of the Peace Pole in our garden in Riverton, on the south coast of South Island. It is possibly the most southerly in New Zealand, maybe the world! - Bob & Leah Boniface."