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A statue honouring New Zealand war hero Sir Keith Park will be erected in central London, the city's mayor Boris Johnson has confirmed.
Today Defence Minister Phil Goff delivered a letter to Mr Johnson on behalf of all New Zealand Parliamentarians in support of the Sir Keith Park Memorial campaign.
"I expressed to the Mayor that unanimity among New Zealand parliamentarians was unusual, but in this case there was strong support across the whole House for a move to recognise and honour the critical contribution by Sir Keith Park to winning the Battle of Britain," Mr Goff said.
"Boris Johnson in response was adamant that Sir Keith Park's role would be recognised.
"He said he strongly supported a statue of Sir Keith Park being placed on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square in time to commemorate in 2010 the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
"Thereafter, he favoured a permanent site for a statue in a prominent place in central London and suggested Waterloo Place, next to Pall Mall."
The site of the statue was a matter for London and United Kingdom authorities to decide, Mr Goff said.
"However, we agreed with the Mayor that his proposal would be appropriate, given its location in the heart of London, close to New Zealand House."
Mr Goff said the statue would honour a man widely recognised for the critical role he played in helping win the Battle of Britain.
"This was arguably the most critical battle leading to the defeat of Nazi Germany in the second World War.
"As Commander of the 11th Group of Fighter Command, responsible for the defence of London and south east England, his inspirational leadership and brilliant tactics helped achieve a vital turning point in the war," Phil Goff said.
He said the statue would also honour the contribution of the 12,000 New Zealanders who served in the RAF in the second World War, more than a quarter of whom gave their lives in "defence of England in the fight against Nazi tyranny".
- NZPA
