Statement:
“Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has conducted thorough, detailed planning processes in developing the National Erebus Memorial, which has included extensive consultation with iwi and other groups.
“We appreciate Dame Naida’s concern for the environmental and heritage values of the site and have offered to provide her with information about the project to alleviate those concerns.
“The Ministry respects people’s right to different views and peaceful protest. As always, the families of those who lost loved ones in the Erebus disaster remain at the heart of this project.”
ENDS
Further information for your background:
Processes and decision making
Several sites in Auckland were considered before Dove-Myer Robinson Park was selected as the best option for the memorial: it is central, accessible and park-like. These were identified as strong preferences by Erebus family members. Support for locating the memorial in the park was obtained from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Waitematā Local Board at the beginning of the planning process.
Detailed assessments regarding the environmental and heritage values of the site have been undertaken, and the integrity of the project is highlighted by the fact that Resource Consent and Archaeological Authority have been granted.
Iwi engagement:
Regular engagement has taken place with a large range of stakeholders throughout the planning for the memorial, including local iwi.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has been closely involved in the planning for the memorial since October 2018, when Dove-Myer Robinson Park was initially identified as the preferred site, and have provided valuable advice and support.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and other iwi who have been consulted during the planning stages have been provided with full, accurate information about the National Erebus Memorial project, and all feedback about the memorial from the community has been properly considered.
A detailed timeline of the Ministry’ s engagement with local iwi is provided to you for your information.
The memorial design
The memorial will be 95m2 in size (within the park itself which is 55,600m2)
In providing Landowner Approval for the memorial to be built within the park, the Local Board was satisfied that the memorial design met a number of criteria.
Protecting environmental and heritage values
The heritage trees near the site have been of paramount consideration throughout the design process.
In line with the Resource Consent and Landowner Approval conditions, an independent arborist, the Auckland Council Heritage arborist and the Tree Asset Owner will be onsite to ensure the arboriculture and significant ecological areas are protected.
The memorial is located near the former site of the Mataharehare Pā, one of two historic sites located near the memorial. The other is the former Kilbryde property owned by Sir John Logan Campbell.
A detailed archaeological assessment of the site has been undertaken, and the memorial project considered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga granted an archaeological authority for the proposal in September 2020, and this provides thorough information regarding how the heritage values of the site will be properly respected and protected.
While remains of the Pā site are unlikely to be found, since the headland was removed in the early twentieth century, during construction, an archaeologist will be onsite to monitor all earthworks and ensure any archaeological evidence encountered is correctly investigated, recorded and analysed.
A place for all New Zealanders
The Ministry acknowledges there are differing opinions regarding the National Erebus Memorial being located within Dove-Myer Robinson Park.
However, it will be an important place for the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones in the Erebus accident to gather, to remember and to reflect.
The memorial will also be a place where visitors can learn more about the tragedy and its significance to New Zealand.
The memorial has been carefully designed to be a welcoming place for everyone. It is sympathetic to the environment and heritage of the site, as well as to the people who use the park now, and in the future.