Erebus Memorial Park

@ Western Springs Precinct

To remember Erebus in perpetuity

Proposed location for Erebus Memorial Park. Meola Road, adjacent Museum of Transport and Technology (Aviation) and Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa in the Western Springs Precinct.

A dedicated Erebus Memorial Park for the National Erebus Memorial

On 28 November 1979, 257 lives were lost when flight 901 crashed at Mt Erebus, Antarctica. The ensuing failures of the Government of the day, and Air New Zealand, compounded the suffering of Erebus families including those involved in the Ice Phase (recovery). Forty years on, 28 November 2019, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, apologised “for the actions of the airline then in full state ownership”.

A pledge was given to build a National Erebus Memorial. The question is, where?

Proposal for a dedicated, purpose-built, Erebus Memorial Park

The purpose of this kaupapa is to develop the opportunity for a dedicated Erebus Memorial Park for the National Erebus Memorial, for the consideration of all those affected by the Erebus tragedy.

The proposed Western Springs Precinct location presents the following key opportunities:

A dedicated Erebus Memorial Park
Central Auckland location, close to major transport links - motorway, bus, cycleway and carparking
Adjacent the Aviation section of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) - to ensure that the disaster is remembered by current and future generations
Adjacent Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa which is the subject of a major upgrade. Wildlife, dog walking, adjacent to the shores of Te Waitematā

A destination in its own right and a true place for reflection and remembrance [1]

The design of the Erebus Memorial Park can take any form. This could include the re-purposing of the design (e Paerangi Ataata - Skysong) that was proposed for the previous location at Mataharehare/Taurarua/ Dove Myer Robinson Park.

The design in this location could incorporate two key elements:

The upper, formal area with Te Paerangi Ataata - Skysong that looks skyward and toward Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa, the rock formation built by fairies out into the harbour to escape at night before the morning light. The outfall on the eastern side of the reef is from the springs that were the second major water source for the nascent city.

The lower, walled garden that includes opportunity for a waterfall and fresh water reflection pool within a private, garden setting. Opportunity also for family members to select trees for this living memorial.

The lower aspect of the site is currently a carpark. The Erebus Memorial Park would transform asphalt to grass, trees and water-source, a place of new life and renewal.

[1] Refer to Boffa Miskell, Erebus Memorial Site Selection Process, 17 August 2018

Context for the proposal of a dedicated Erebus Memorial Park

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage (the Ministry) previously selected the historic Dove Myer Robinson Park on Mataharehare / Taurarua Pā site in Parnell, Auckland. However, that location was poor and its unsuitability established by the Ministry’s independent advisors. It failed to meet Erebus families’ wishes and was rejected by large sections of the community due to flawed process. As the Ministry had been advised by the community, the cliffs subsided during the summer of 2022 - 2023, forcing the Ministry to change location . For more information on that site visit www.SOSNZ.org.nz

The Ministry has blocked the opportunity presented by this site, for a dedicated memorial park, adjacent the aviation section of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) where the full story of New Zealand’s worst aviation disaster can be remembered.

The most recent reason provided by the Ministry to block any consideration of this site is an unsubstantiated claim that the land cannot be re-purposed due its possible history as a refuse site. Yet this site is home to this important aviation museum, and site of remembrance of our war dead. The Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa at its foot has also been transformed into a wildlife sanctuary on the shores of the Waitemata, and Western Springs lake and park is nearby.

The Working Group reminds the Ministry that numerous parks across New Zealand and the world have been created on such sites. Including Central Park in New York.

Join us to call on the Prime Minister, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, and Local Government to support the creation of a dedicated Erebus Memorial Park adjacent the aviation section of the Museum of Transport and Technology, to ensure the lives lost at Erebus will be remembered future generations.

We welcome your thoughts, input and involvement.

From The Erebus Families

“While, for me personally, Christchurch makes sense, if it must be in Auckland, adjacent to the aviation wing of the Museum of Transport and Technology makes a lot more sense than a park in Parnell where the Memorial is unwanted by so many.”

— Margaret Brough

“I am delighted that we can move on from Dove Myer Robinson Park, which was so inappropriate, and focus on finding a new site, one that delivers for everyone.”

— Gaynor Gallagher

“A purpose-built park, immediately adjacent to New Zealand’s home of aviation history, just makes sense. It’s incredibly gracious of the museum of Transport and Technology to offer such an opportunity. To be able to tell the whole story, from the beginning right up until the Prime Minister’s apology in 2019 is exciting and something we can all contribute to in a meaningful way.”

— Simon Stokes

Mt Erebus - site of New Zealand’s worst aviation disaster

Margaret Brough at the Erebus Memorial, Antarctica, with Mt Erebus in the distance. A once-in-a-lifetime visit to the memorial to all who died at Mt Erebus.

Margaret Brough, daughter of the late Aubrey Brough at Scott Base.

Mt Erebus, site of the Erebus disaster, 3,795km from Christchurch, New Zealand

Visualising Erebus Memorial Park

Location of the proposed Erebus Memorial Park (green circle with arrow)

Artist's impression of the lower garden of Erebus Memorial Park

Plan view of the concept for Erebus Memorial Park in situ next to the Museum of Transport and Technology

The location of the lower garden. Currently asphalt. Vision: grass, trees, reflection pool, waterfall from upper garden. Opportunity to increase the height of the stone wall.

Location of the upper, formal garden that can incorporate the existing memorial design - Te Paerangi Ataata - Sky Song.

Location of the Erebus Memorial Park in relation to the city centre.

Map of the location of the Erebus Memorial Park in relation to Auckland city.

Render of the proposed improvements to Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokoroa, adjacent the proposed Erebus Memorial Park

Render of the proposed improvements to Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa, adjacent the proposed Erebus Memorial Park. Includes dog walking park.

In alignment with the Families’ Wishes

Western Springs Opportunity

Families Wishes*

Dedicated Erebus Memorial Park with Gardens
A walled garden (lower garden) and setback from the road (upper area) provides quiet and a sense of refuge
Museum immediately adjacent: school trips will provide opportunities to visit and learn about the Erebus Tragedy
Opportunity for Erebus Families to tell their stories with pictures on permanent display in the Museum adjacent
Adjacent to the Aviation Section of the Museum of Transport and Technology
No link, a new, dedicated Erebus Memorial Park

Secluded park-like site
A quiet destination
Educate future generations
Share the full story of Erebus
Connected to Erebus
No link to Air New Zealand