KEY POINTS:
The Government today confirmed a new New Zealand War Memorial park will be built in Wellington.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said the Memorial Park, next to the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, would be a focus point for commemorations of war sacrifice.
The Government is putting $11 million into the project and Wellington City Council would consider assisting.
Miss Clark said when the memorial was built in 1932, work on the surrounding area was not completed and when the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was dedicated in 2004 it became clear the area needed to be developed.
"This decision helps us move towards fulfilment of the original vision for the memorial site," she said.
"The proposed park will be available for the construction of memorials, particularly by other nations wanting to commemorate their relationships with New Zealand."
The announcement has taken a while to come to fruition -- in 2004 money was set aside to buy the land on the opposite side of Buckle St, which is occupied by a service station and other businesses.
The land was owned by Transit New Zealand and commercial leases on it ran until this year. The Government had now purchased the site.
Transport Minister Annette King said Buckle Street would be realigned 30-40m to the north to make way for the park.
"Today's announcement means that the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Transit and Wellington City Council can begin work on the project, including seeking resource consents.
"We look forward to working with interested parties such as the Wellington City Council in moving the project forward."
- NZPA
