New Zealand War Memorial: London

Following the opening ceremony some weeks ago, I’d been naging Grigoria to go and have a closer look.

Today the weather was nice enough for us to get down to Hyde Park Corner where is sits, on a grassy mould opposite the Australian memorial.

In essense the “Southern Stand” memorial consisits of 16 cast molten bronze scultures (varying in height) set out in formation to commemorate the enduring bonds between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the shared sacrifice during times of war.

It is a symbol both of our common heritage, and of New Zealand's distinct national identity.

With a numeral of national icons (rugby ball, maori canoe) and scritps cast into it, I think it really stamps a place or mark on this symbolic area of Hyde Park corner.


With past Anzac Day cermemorations happening at the Australian site, next year this spot will be the place for New Zealanders to come; very touching.