Australian Memorial Wellington

The tall, red sandstone columns of the Australian War Memorial, grouped and interspersed with red flowering eucalyptus trees, immediately calls to mind the red continent of our neighbour, while use of basalt represents New Zealand’s landform.

Polished black basalt panels inserted within the columns reflect the sky and bring an ephemeral quality to the strongly rooted columns. Indigenous art engravings on the polished surfaces blends the essence of both countries with the many shared theatres of war that are engraved on the stone surfaces in a more traditional, commemorative manner.

The location of the Memorial within the new Pukeahu Park, on the central axis with the Carillion and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reinforces the central ceremonial space of the park. The 6 m tall columns respond to the Carillion tower, faced across the parade ground, providing a boundary to the plaza. The gum trees will shelter the area when grown, their lightness contrasting with the denser pohutukawa supporting the Carillion.

This is an inspiring and emotionally telling piece of landscape design which both commemorates and celebrates the close relationship of these two ANZAC neighbours. Its beauty and strength are in its simplicity, while multiple messages are included for those who tarry in the shade of the trees. Its presence will resonate for generations to come.