Ashes walls to be rebuilt for Anzac Day

A crack can be seen at the top right of the wall.

Two damaged ashes walls at the Martinborough Cemetery should be rebuilt in time for Anzac Day.

One is a services wall, built 16 years ago, and containing the ashes of nine Martinborough war veterans.

It was damaged in the 6.2 magnitude Eketahuna earthquake that rocked the region in January last year and has substantial cracks in it.

Rebuilding of the walls started on Monday following the removal of urns and plaques.

The walls have to come down because they pose a safety risk.

South Wairarapa District Council amenities manager Helen McNaught said it will cost around $23,000 to complete the project.

The new walls would have a more robust design to better withstand earthquakes.

Ms McNaught said they had sent letters to everyone they could trace who had family members remains and/or a plaque in the wall, to let them know what was happening. There were also signs up at the cemetery.

"Our priority is to ensure that the services wall in particular is finished before Anzac Day," she said.

The cemetery on Huangarua Rd has five general ashes walls and one services wall, for servicemen and women.