Pacific Islands Memorial Dedication Event

Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula Vinaka, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Ia Orana, Mauri, Gude, Halo, Ekamowir Omo, Bonjour, Iọkwe, Alii - warm Pacific greetings!

Join us at the unveiling of Te Reo Hotunui o te Moana nui a Kiwa, the new Pacific Islands Memorial.

The ceremony will include a welcome from local iwi, speeches from the Diplomatic Corp and artist of the Memorial design Michel Tuffery, performances and an address by NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The public is welcome to attend, however, this is dependent on COVID-19 alert levels. The event may need to be scaled or changed at short notice, so keep checking this event for updates. The event will be livestreamed.

The Memorial will recognise the bond between New Zealanders and Pacific peoples which existed before and during the first and second world wars. It is a bond that has brought us together in service and in subsequent conflicts.

The design by artist Michel Tuffery MNZM, named Te Reo Hotunui o Te Moana nui a Kiwa - The deep sigh of the Pacific recalls the conch shell left in the Arras Tunnels by Kuki Airani (Cook Island) soldiers of The New Zealand Tunnelling Company and the New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion, who was stationed beneath the town of Arras, France during 1916 to 1918.

Image credit: Stantiall Studio