Veteran's garden campaign edging closer to victory

Colin Topp has been working on the gardens project for more than 20 years. Picture / Martin Sykes

As a Navy signalman during World War II, Colin Topp saw action in numerous spots around the Pacific, but one of the biggest battles of the 82-year-old's life has been fought on dry land.

The Papakura veteran has been in the vanguard of a campaign to erect a tribute to the returned servicemen of South Auckland.

The former Auckland district RSA president and national vice-president began his quest in the mid-1980s and now, more than 20 Anzac Days later, his efforts could be just about to pay off.

Thanks to community board and RSA support, the proposed South Auckland Servicemen's Memorial Gardens - Mr Topp's suggested the name - is two-thirds of the way towards its fundraising target.

"I am more hopeful than ever, more determined than ever, that we see it come to fruition."

The Manurewa Community Board approved in February a grant of $401,630 towards the purpose-built facility, with RSA clubs in Papatoetoe and Manurewa chipping in with a combined $69,300.

That left a total of just over $220,000, which it was hoped would be picked up by the Papatoetoe Community Board.

But at a February 28 meeting, the board decided it could not afford to pay the balance, and it would apply to the ASB Trusts for help.

Papatoetoe Community Board deputy chairman Phillip Greenbank is a member of the ASB Trusts board.

Manurewa RSA secretary-manager Steve Andrew said yesterday the application had just been lodged, and a decision would be made within three months, "hopefully".

"It is under way. We will just have to wait and see what happens now.

"We need to get a bit off them, then hopefully the Papatoetoe [community] board will make up the shortfall."

Papatoetoe board chairman Gary Troup said yesterday the memorial plan was a good one, but believed the project should be financed by all Manukau City communities.

"We are receptive to it. We are certainly not turning our backs on it, we are just saying we thought it was a citywide issue, not just Papatoetoe and Manurewa."

Mr Topp, however, remains optimistic his hard work will pay off, and that a new memorial could be in service by next Anzac Day.

It better be, he says - his fallen comrades did their bit to earn it.

"You don't enjoy today's way of life without someone having to earn it.

"I don't feel we are asking for the moon, we are asking for something that is worthy of what they did."


Garden of memories

The planned memorial, on 1ha of land at Manukau Memorial Gardens and priced at $693,000, is likely to include:
* A main cenotaph for celebrations and gatherings.
* Granite panels of remembrance.
* Flag pole for "ceremonies and national pride".
* Landscaped contemplation area.
* A site for funeral services for servicemen and RSA members.
* A tourist "focal point".