Grants of equal value have also been contributed by Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa district councils and Upper Hutt City Council. It is the first time the pair has worked on a commission together and they say they are equally humbled at the opportunity.
"I am very excited to have been asked to be involved in this project and I'm looking forward to creating a memorial on this scale," said Mr Thomsen. Mr Dunn has volunteered his time for the project. "My family members went to war so this project is close to my heart," he said. "It will be great to work with Niko to create a permanent commemorative structure that honours all those who went to war."
The special 21km re-enactment march will have around 160 registered people from all around New Zealand retrace the footsteps of WWI soldiers who set off for war from the Featherston military camp to awaiting ships in Wellington Harbour. The marchers, who are direct descendants of soldiers that trained at Featherston, will be joined by a group of cadets and another group made up of police and New Zealand Army personnel. It is the idea of former army chef Robert "Tweet" Bird who was inspired after seeing a photo of soldiers from members of B Company of the 22nd reinforcement group marching over the Rimutaka Hill in 1917.
Mr Bird has since gained the support of the South Wairarapa, Upper Hutt, Carterton and Masterton district councils; the New Zealand Transport Agency, New Zealand Cadet Forces and Ministry of Defence. He is also working with other community groups to make the event a success. The march also has received generous grants and donations from various organisations and individuals and Mr Bird is still seeking further funding to complete the project.
The re-enactment march will be held in three stages. Stage one will begin at 3am at the site of the former Featherston Military camp when the group march the 2.9km into Featherston to lay a wreath.
They will then march 10.8km up the Rimutaka Hill to the summit where they will have breakfast and unveil the remembrance commemorative structure. After this they will march the 8.9km down the Wellington side of the hill to finish at Kaitoke.
After the march, participants will be transported into Upper Hutt where they will march through the streets before laying a second wreath at the Upper Hutt Town Hall. Following this, the group will march into the Trentham army camp. where they will be welcomed by officials, family and the public.
People can show their support for the Rimutaka crossing memorial re-enactment march by donating towards the commemorative memorial to be unveiled on the day. People who believe they have a link with soldiers from WWI can check their details at the website http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph. For information email: thecrossing19151918@gmail.com.
