Government turns down Upham's VCs

The Government has knocked back attempts by the daughter of the country's most celebrated war hero, Charles Upham, to sell the two Victoria Crosses he was awarded during World War II.

Virginia Mackenzie, one of the war veteran's three daughters, has been in discussions with the Government to sell her fathers' medals, but she said yesterday the sale was not going ahead.

"They [the Government] are not interested," she said.

Christchurch-born Charles Upham is one of only three people to have been awarded two Victoria Crosses.

Mr Upham won his first as a lieutenant in Crete in 1941 and second as a captain in the North African desert in 1942.

Ms Mackenzie refused to reveal her reasons for speaking to the Government about a sale. She also refused to comment on a possible figure for the sale, but it is understood more than $1 million was asked for.

She said the medals were in the Army Museum at Wairau on indefinite loan and "it's the family's wish that they stay there".

Defence Minister Phil Goff declined to discuss negotiations with members of Mr Upham's family.

"I think any communication I have had with the family is a personal matter for them. I have got to express that the family will make the decision as to what happens with his medals."

Mr Goff said he hoped the medals would be gifted to a Canterbury museum. "There have been 19 VCs won by New Zealanders gifted or lent to New Zealand museums. It has been really important they are accessible to the public."

Speaking from Auckland, Amanda Upham said while there had been an approach to the Government by her twin sister Virginia, there was no immediate plans to sell the medals.

"The Government are not interested. It would mean they would have to fork out for the other VCs."

She said if there was a move to sell the medals she would support the majority family decision which would also involve younger sister Caroline Reynolds who is based in Bermuda.