Top rank proposed for memorial
The restored Awapuni memorial to medics who trained in Palmerston North during the First World War has been promoted for New Zealand’s top heritage recognition.
The only known monument in New Zealand dedicated exclusively to military medical personnel was first unveiled in 1929, and after a period of neglect, was restored to glory and rededicated in October 2016.
Heritage New Zealand is seeking public feedback on its proposal to list the memorial as a Category 1 place of special or outstanding historical and cultural significance or value.
Heritage adviser Blyss Wagstaff said the restoration, led by the New Zealand Defence Force and Manawatu Racing Club, had been a real community effort.
It honoured the men and women who passed through New Zealand’s only dedicated training ground for medical officers, orderlies, stretcher bearers and medical crew for hospital ships from October 1915.
The Awapuni Racecourse land was also the largest of four initial mobilisation camps for New Zealand troops preparing to be posted overseas.
While other centres around New Zealand had memorials including tributes to nurses and medics, the Awapuni fountain was the only known monument specifically for the medical corps.
Restoration of the 5-metre tall stone pyramid, which cascaded water into a cross-shaped pool, had been carried out maintaining the integrity of the original form.
The supporting information for the proposed listing describes it as ‘‘a potent expression of the sorrow and pride felt by New Zealanders after World War I.’’
‘‘The memorial is something the region is already proud to be associated with, and listing would give it wider national recognition,’’ Wagstaff said.
Public submissions, which closed on February 16, would help add to or correct information about the memorial.