The Moutoa Gardens memorial to Maori soldiers who fought in World War I is to receive a facelift worth nearly $500,000.
The Pakaitore Historic Reserve Board, which administers Moutoa Gardens, this week received confirmation from the Lottery World War I Commemorations committee that it would be given $431,980 to restore the monument, which needs repairing.
However, there's a catch - the work must be completed by April 18, 2015, less than two years away.
Board chairman Hamish McDouall said the entire board was "amazed and delighted" when they received the news of the funding, which will cover the cost of the restoration in full. He said the board was not intimidated by the short time-frame.
"We want to have the monument finished in time for the centennial celebrations of the landing at Gallipoli. That date falls a week after we have to have the work finished, so the timing is perfect."