Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

Media Releases

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Speeches from Prime Minister Helen Clark on 11 November 2004

These links go to full text on the Beehive website:

Media Advisory - Unknown Warrior returns home (8 November 2004)

On Wednesday 10 November the Unknown New Zealand Warrior returns to his homeland.

The Unknown Warrior is one of over 250,000 New Zealanders who served in overseas wars. He is one of 30,000 New Zealanders who died in service. He is one of over 9000 New Zealanders who have no known grave or whose remains could never be recovered. As the Warrior's name, rank, regiment, race, religion and other details are unknown, he represents and honours all Zealanders who became lost to their families in war.

On return to New Zealand the Unknown Warrior will lie in state at Parliament to enable New Zealanders to pay their respects.

On Thursday 11 November, Armistice Day, a Memorial Service will be held at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, followed by a Military Funeral Procession through central Wellington to the National War Memorial on Buckle Street where an Interment Ceremony with full Military Honours will take place. The Warrior will be finally laid to rest in the newly created Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial.

Media are invited to attend the various ceremonies to mark this unique and historic event.

An outline of the ceremonial programme follows. Individual programmes for each ceremony can be found on the Ceremonial Events page.

Tuesday 9 November

1.00pm Media briefing/walk through venues. Meet on Parliament steps. Media accreditation is compulsory.

Wednesday 10 November

Media accreditation is compulsory for each event. The NZDF Welcome Ceremony at Rongotai is not open to the public. Media are welcome to attend but numbers are restricted.Media at Rongotai will be co-ordinated by NZDF.

9.15am - Media briefing at RNZAF Air Movements Terminal, Rongotai.

9.50am - Air Force Hercules carrying the Unknown Warrior lands in Wellington.

10.00am – 10.45am - Welcome Ceremony at RNZAF Air Movements Terminal, Rongotai.

Bearer Party and Military Honorary Pallbearers slow march off aircraft.
NZDF Powhiri.

11.40am - Unknown Warrior leaves airport under escort for Parliament. Route map online here

11.40am - Media in place on Parliament forecourt.

12.00 noon - Arrival Ceremony at Parliament to mark the Unknown Warrior's return.

Hearse arrives on Parliament forecourt. Casket taken from hearse.
General Salute Maori Warrior leads the Bearer Party across Parliament forecourt.
Karanga and haka powhiri by mana whenua.
Mana whenua handover of the Unknown Warrior to the nation.
Maori warrior leads Bearer Party up Parliament steps to the Legislative Council Chamber.
Official Party follow the casket - Governor-General, Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, Leader of the Opposition, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of the Crown, Commomwealth War Graves Commission Vice-Chairman, Chief of Defence Force, National President RNZRSA, Chairman National War Memorial Adivsory Council, Honorary Pallbearers.
Casket placed on catafalque. Vigil mounted.
The Governor-General pays her respects and lays a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Presents campaign medals.
The Prime Minister pays her respects and lays a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand.
Wreaths laid by the Speaker, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Leader of the Opposition, Chief of Defence Force, National President RNZRSA, Vice-Chairman of CWGC.
The Governor-General and Prime Minister sign In Memoriam book.
National veterans' organisation representatives led by the Minister of Veterans' Affairs pay their respects. Presentation of the RSA Gold Badge.

2.00pm onwards Unknown Warrior lies in state in the Legislative Council Chamber. Lying-in- state is open to the public until 10.00am following morning.

Thursday 11 November

Media accreditation is compulsory. Media numbers are restricted within the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. Film and image footage by media within the Cathedral is to be shared with other media.

10.00am - Public admission to the lying-in-state concludes.

10.15am - Media in position.

10.35am - Vigil concludes.

Unknown Warrior leaves Parliament for Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.

Casket taken from the Legislative Council Chamber by Bearer Party.
Casket flanked by Military Honorary Pallbearers on steps of Parliament House.
Farewell karanga as Bearer Party descends steps of Parliament.
Casket carried at shoulder height on foot with military escort to Cathedral.

11.00am - Memorial Service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.

Two Minutes Silence with Remembrance Bell tolling 11 times.

Welcome & Bidding by the Dean of Wellington.
Scripture reading by the Chief of Defence Force.
Colonel Malone's Last Letter to his wife read by The Governor-General.
Address by the Prime Minister.
Remember read by General Sir John Wilsey.
Prayers (Multi-faith - Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu).
Blessing (combined Blessing by Heads of Churches).
Casket taken from the Cathedral to Gun Carriage.
Distinguished Veterans' Honour Guard outside the Cathedral.
Piper's lament (specially commissioned) played from the Cathedral lawn.

12.15pm - Military Funeral Procession through central Wellington from the Cathedral to the National War Memorial.

As the Procession steps off a One Minute Gun will be fired every minute for 19 minutes from Queen's Wharf.

Procession slow marches to the music of Fernleaf Headstones (specially commissioned) and Dead March from Saul .
Public are invited to line the Procession route. Route map online here

Media bus to National War departs immediately following the stepping off of the Procession. Media must confirm seating allocation for bus by midday Monday 8 November.

1.30pm - Interment Ceremony with full Military Honours at the National War Memorial.

Ceremony begins on the lower forecourt

Arrival of the Funeral Procession, casket removed from the Gun Carriage, casket placed on catafalque on lower forecourt.
Peace-Rangimarie Bell is tolled to signal beginning of ceremony.
Dunedin RSA Choir sings In Flanders Field from the middle forecourt.
Introduction and Prologue by Col Andrew Renton-Green (retd), Chairman National War Memorial Advisory Council.
Eulogy by the Governor-General.
Homecoming/Te Hokinga Mai read by poet Vincent O'Sullivan (specially commissioned poem).
Ceremony moves to upper forecourt in front of the Tomb.
Casket lifted from the Catafalque. Casket is slow marched to the Upper Forecourt as Tudor Consort choir sings Memento for An Unknown Warrior (specially commissioned).
Casket placed over the Tomb.
Removal, Folding and Presentation of the New Zealand Flag.
Karakia by Sam Jackson, Kaumatua of Te Ati Awa.
Blessing of the grave by Principal Defence Chaplain, Colonel Julian Wagg QHC.
The Committal.
Mounting of the Vigil – four person Guard around the Tomb.
Tri Service Firing Party with Rifle Volleys (NZDF final farewell).
The Last Post.
Ode to the Fallen read by Tamati Paraone, National President 28 Maori Battalion and John Campbell, National President, Royal New Zealand Returned Services' and Association.
The Reveille.
Placement of Soils in Tomb announced by Col Andrew Renton-Green (retd).
Official Party lay floral tributes in the Tomb.
National Anthem.
Carillon elegy (specially commissioned).

Following the ceremony invited guests and members of the public will be able to pay their respects and place a poppy in the tomb. The sealing of the Tomb with a concrete lid and bronze Tomb mantle will then occur. NZDF Vigil will conclude once the Tomb mantle has been secured.

2.30pm - Reception hosted by the Prime Minister in the Great Hall, Massey University.

4.00pm - Special Session of Parliament.

5.00pm - Sunset Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

The Project is co-ordinated by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Other government departments involved are: New Zealand Defence Force, Veterans' Affairs New Zealand, Department of Internal Affairs (Visits and Ceremonial Office), Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry of Maori Development, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is supported by the National War Memorial Advisory Council, New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, Te Ati Awa (represented by Wellington Tenths Trust), Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Transit New Zealand, New Zealand Police and the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand Inc.

Media contact:

Catriona Robertson
Media Co-ordinator, Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Tel 06 308 8852
Mobile 021 243 2058
Email catriona.robertson@mch.govt.nz

Denise Mackay
Public Relations
NZDF ( Media at Rongotai will be co-ordinated by NZDF)
Tel 04 496 0291
Mobile 027 478 5434
Email denise.mackay@nzdf.mil.nz

[ENDS]

Parliament to pay respects to Unknown Warrior (8 November 2004)

Parliament will this week hold a special sitting to enable MPs to pay their respects to the Unknown Warrior, whose casket is now on the way home for formal ceremonies before interment in the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today. See full text on Beehive website.

New Zealand's Unknown Warrior is coming home (29 October 2004)

On Monday 1 November a New Zealand delegation will depart for France to begin the process of repatriating the Unknown Warrior.

The Handover Ceremony will take place on Saturday 6 November at the New Zealand Memorial site near the village of Longueval, France. The ceremony will mark the official return of the Unknown Warrior from the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission into the care of New Zealand. The ceremony will be witnessed by representatives of the French and New Zealand governments, including the New Zealand Ambassador to France, His Excellency Adrian Macey, Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, and President of the Royal New Zealand Returned & Services' Association, Mr John Campbell. The Mayor and villagers of Longueval, who have come to regard the Unknown Warrior as one of their own, will also attend the ceremony.

Mr Richard Kellaway, Director-General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will make the formal handover on behalf of the Commission to His Excellency Adrian Macey, New Zealand Ambassador to France, on behalf of the people of New Zealand.

On the eve of the Handover Ceremony, the New Zealand Ambassador to Belgium, His Excellency Wade Armstrong, will lead the delegation at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Belgium which is held every evening at 8.00pm.

The Warrior will be finally laid to rest in the newly created Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial in Wellington on Thursday 11 November, Armistice Day.

The Unknown Warrior is one of over 250,000 New Zealanders who served in overseas wars. He is one of 30,000 who died in service. He is one of over 9000 who have no known grave or whose remains could never be recovered. The remains will be chosen by the Commission from a First World War Cemetery in France, from an area where the greatest number of the various New Zealand regiments and battalions are known to have fought. As the soldier's name, rank, regiment, race, religion and other details are unknown, he represents and honours all Zealanders who became lost to their families in war.

On return to New Zealand on Wednesday 10 November, the Unknown Warrior will lie in state at Parliament to enable New Zealanders to pay their respects. A Memorial Service will be held on 11 November at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, followed by a Military Funeral Procession through central Wellington to the National War Memorial where an Interment Ceremony with full Military Honours will take place.

See Ceremonial Events for a detailed itinerary of events on 10-11 November.

Photographs from the Handover Ceremony will be available from this website on Monday 8 November.

[ENDS]

Media contact:

Catriona Robertson
Media Co-ordinator Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Tel 06 308 8852
Mobile 021 243 2058
Email catriona.robertson@mch.govt.nz

Denise Mackay
Events Co-ordinator
New Zealand Defence Force
Tel 04 496 0291
Mobile 027 478 5434

Unknown Warrior – Schedule of Events (15 October 2004)

On 6 November the remains of an unknown New Zealand soldier from the First World War will be returned into the care of a New Zealand delegation at a Handover Ceremony in Longueval, France. On 11 November, Armistice Day, he will be laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial in Wellington. The Tomb is a focus of remembrance of the sacrifice made by all New Zealand servicemen and women in overseas wars.

Media are invited to attend the Wellington-based ceremonies on 10 and 11 November. Media accreditation will be required at all venues. Full details will be sent out to all media organisations next week. In the meantime, to assist with planning, key dates and times are as follows:

Monday 1 November 2004

New Zealand delegation leaves for France.

Saturday 6 November 2004

Handover Ceremony at Longueval, France to mark the Commonwealth War Graves Commission returning the Unknown Warrior into the care of the New Zealand delegation.

Wednesday 10 November 2004

10.00am Unknown Warrior arrives in New Zealand.
Welcome Ceremony at RNZAF Air Movements Terminal, Rongotai, Wellington
12.00 noon Arrival Ceremony at Parliament to mark the Unknown Warrior’s return.
2.00pm Unknown Warrior lies in state in the Legislative Council Chamber, Parliament to enable New Zealanders to pay their respects.

Thursday 11 November 2004

10.30am Unknown Warrior leaves Parliament for Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
11.00am Memorial Service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
12.15pm Military Funeral Procession through central Wellington from the Cathedral to the National War Memorial.
1.30pm Interment Ceremony with full Military Honours at the National War Memorial.

Further background information and images are online at www.unknownwarrior.govt.nz . Images from the Handover Ceremony in France will be online from Monday 8 November. Detailed media releases will be sent out in advance of each event and a full media briefing is scheduled for Tuesday 9 November – details to follow.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:

Catriona Robertson
Media Co-ordinator Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Tel 06 308 8852
Mobile 021 243 2058

Defence Force early morning slow march through Wellington (28 September 2004)

A Gun Carriage pulled by a land rover, New Zealand Army soldiers acting as bearer party and pallbearers, and a drummer to keep the time, escorted by the New Zealand Police, slow marched through the CBD at 4am this morning as part of their training in the lead up to the return of the Unknown Warrior. See full release on NZDF website.

Nationwide call to veterans and families to attend Unknown Warrior ceremonial events (23 September 2004)

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage Chief Executive Martin Matthews today launched a nationwide call encouraging veterans and families of New Zealand war dead to take part in ceremonial events marking the return of the Unknown Warrior to New Zealand in November.

“We want as many veterans and families as possible to share in this unique and historic day,” said Mr Matthews. “Veterans, next of kin and descendants who live in Wellington, or are planning to be in Wellington on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 November, are urged to contact the Ministry as soon as possible as there are a number of ways they can participate in ceremonial events.”

National President of the Royal New Zealand Returned And Services' Association John Campbell said, “We want to ensure that all New Zealand veterans' organisations are represented and to encourage them to take part in the Wellington-based ceremonies. We also want to acknowledge next of kin and descendants of all New Zealand war dead, especially those with no known grave.”

"There are opportunities to attend the Arrival Ceremony for the Unknown Warrior at Parliament, the lying in state at Parliament House, and the Military Funeral Procession in central Wellington. Seating has been made available for veterans, next of kin and descendants of New Zealand war dead at the Memorial Service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul and the Interment Ceremony at the National War Memorial,” said Mr Campbell.

A special toll free number 0800 NZTOMB (0800 698 662) and email address nztomb@mch.govt.nz have been set-up by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to enable veterans and families to apply for seating at the Memorial Service and the Interment Ceremony. Seating is limited and will be determined by ballot if necessary. Applications for seating close on Monday 15 October. Further information on all Unknown New Zealand Warrior ceremonial events is online at www.unknownwarrior.govt.nz.

A New Zealand delegation will travel to France for a ceremony early in November to begin the process of repatriating the Unknown Warrior. On return, the Unknown Warrior will lie in state at Parliament to enable New Zealanders to pay their respects. A Memorial Service will be held on 11 November at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, followed by a Funeral Procession through central Wellington to the National War Memorial where an Interment Ceremony with full Military Honours will take place.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project is co-ordinated by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Other government departments involved are: New Zealand Defence Force, Veterans' Affairs New Zealand, Department of Internal Affairs (Visits and Ceremonial Office), Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry of Maori Development, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is supported by the National War Memorial Advisory Council, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Royal New Zealand Returned And Services' Association, Te Ati Awa (represented by the Wellington Tenths Trust), and the Wellington City Council.

To apply for seating at the Memorial Service or the Interment Ceremony see information on Ceremonial Events on this website, call toll free 0800 NZTOMB (0800 698 662), or email nztomb@mch.govt.nz. Applications close on Monday 15 October.

- ENDS -

KEY DATES

11 October 2004 Applications close for seating allocation for veterans, next of kin and descendants at Memorial Service and Interment Ceremony.

Early November 2004 New Zealand delegation leaves for France. Handover Ceremony to mark the Commonwealth War Graves Commission returning the Unknown Warrior into the care of the New Zealand delegation.

10 November 2004 Unknown Warrior arrives in New Zealand and is taken to Parliament. Arrival Ceremony at Parliament to mark the Unknown Warrior's return.

10-11 November 2004 Unknown Warrior lies in state at Parliament.

11 November 2004 Memorial Service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. Funeral Procession from the Cathedral to the National War Memorial. Interment Ceremony at the National War Memorial.

Media contact:

Catriona Robertson
Media Co-ordinator
Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project
Tel 06 308 8852
Cell 021 243 2058
Email catriona.robertson@mch.govt.nz

Bill Hopper
Public Relations Officer
RNZRSA
Tel 04 528 9557/04 384 7994
Email billhopper@paradise.net.nz

Ceremony for Unknown Warrior (20 September 2004)

Prime Minister Helen Clark today outlined plans for ceremonies associated with the return to New Zealand of the Unknown New Zealand Warrior and his interment on Thursday 11 November, Armistice Day. See full release on the Beehive website. Rt Hon Helen Clark 20 September 2004

Beneath the Southern Cross — new design for Tomb of the Unknown Warrior (19 May 2004)

Ministry for Culture and Heritage Chief Executive Martin Matthews today announced that a new design has been commissioned for the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The Tomb will be located in front of the National War Memorial in Wellington. The new design is by New Zealand artist and sculptor Kingsley Baird.

"Kingsley Baird's design, inspired by the Southern Cross constellation, possesses a distinctive New Zealand character," said Mr Matthews. "His choice and treatment of materials, his use of symbols and language, strongly reflect the unique cultural identity of our land and people. We congratulate Kingsley and his team."

Discussing the design concept Mr Baird said, "The Warrior will soon return to New Zealand. On his journey home he will be guided by the stars of the Southern Cross. We've used bronze and stone as the primary materials to symbolise his journey and final resting place."

"The distance of the foreign land he leaves behind is represented on the base of the Tomb by a night sky of black granite inlaid with light grey Takaka marble crosses. The crosses represent the Warrior's companions who died in service for their country and remain overseas. They also signify stars in the night sky. Around the base of the Tomb is text of a karanga, in Maori and English, calling the Warrior back to his homeland."

"A cloak of bronze, decorated with four inlaid pounamu crosses, alludes to the Warrior's national flag. It will be laid over his body as a celestial mantle. The bronze mantle also represents the vital role our Defence Forces play in protecting our nation and people."

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has today submitted an application for resource consent for the Tomb to the Wellington City Council. "We have asked that it be notified to give the public an opportunity to comment on the new plan," said Mr Matthews.

The new design has been developed to fit within the existing forecourt of the National War Memorial following an earlier decision not to proceed with a major redevelopment of the site.

The official dedication of the Tomb is scheduled for Armistice Day, 11 November 2004. Images of the design and site plan are online at: www.unknownwarrior.govt.nz

The Wellington-based design team led by Kingsley Baird includes Annette O'Sullivan (typographer), Michael Bennett (architect), Allen Wihongi (Maori culture consultant), Romulus Consulting Group (engineers) and Maltby and Partners (cost consultants).

Kingsley Baird's artistic expression is concerned mostly with themes of memory and remembrance, loss and reconciliation, and cultural identity. His practice, while primarily in sculpture, comprises a wide variety of interests and media including collaborative landscape and urban design projects, installation, video art, and painting, as well as community projects. Commissions include The New Zealand Memorial in Canberra (in partnership with Studio of Pacific Architecture) and the Kereru sculpture in Tawa Village. He has an extensive history of solo and group exhibitions and works in numerous New Zealand and international collections, and is the recipient of various awards and grants. He holds a Master of Fine Art degree from RMIT, Melbourne and a Diploma in Arts from Victoria University, Wellington. He is currently a practising artist and designer, and senior lecturer at the College of Design, Fine Art and Music, Massey University of Wellington.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior will be a national focus of remembrance for the sacrifice made by all New Zealanders who have fought and died overseas. As the soldier's name, rank, regiment, race, religion and other details are unknown, he will represent all those lost to their families through war.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project is co-ordinated by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Other government departments involved are: New Zealand Defence Force, Veterans' Affairs New Zealand, Department of Internal Affairs (Visits and Ceremonial Office), Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry of Maori Development, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is supported by the National War Memorial Advisory Council, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association, Te Ati Awa (represented by the Wellington Tenths Trust), and the Wellington City Council.

-ENDS-

For further information contact:

Catriona Robertson
Senior Adviser, Media Communications
Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Tel: 06 308 8852/021 243 2058
Email: catriona.robertson@mch.govt.nz

New Plan for Tomb of the Unknown Warrior (18 March, 2004 )

Ministry for Culture and Heritage Chief Executive Martin Matthews announced today that a new plan will be commissioned for the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The Tomb will be located in front of the National War Memorial in Wellington.

Following consideration of a recently completed heritage assessment, the Ministry has decided not to go ahead with the redesign of the War Memorial steps.

Martin Matthews said, "The decision to change the existing plan is in response to new professional advice. To ignore the heritage advice would invite further controversy and would not be consistent with the spirit of the Tomb project. The Tomb must be a symbol of unity and national identity, not controversy. In line with this, when we submit our application for resource consent to the Wellington City Council, we will ask that it be notifiable to give the public an opportunity to comment on the new plan."

"It is time to move forward with the project as a mark of respect to those it honours," said Mr Matthews.

Serious About Heritage President Tony Nightingale said, "We are very pleased with the Ministry's decision. It will ensure the integrity and long term future of this extremely significant historic place."

Chairman of the National War Memorial Advisory Council Andrew Renton-Green said that the Council fully supports the new changes to the plan. "We will work with everyone concerned to ensure that the result is sympathetic to the sanctity of the National War Memorial, its environment, and to the memory of those it commemorates."

On behalf of the Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association, National President David Cox said, "Naturally we are disappointed that the original design which was so enthusiastically endorsed by our members is not going ahead. But we are very pleased that the project is proceeding, albeit in an amended form."

The top two shortlisted designers for the initial Tomb submissions, Robert Jahnke and Kingsley Baird, will submit new plans for final selection next month. The official dedication of the Tomb is scheduled for Armistice Day, 11 November 2004.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Project is co-ordinated by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Other government departments involved are: New Zealand Defence Force, Veterans' Affairs New Zealand, Department of Internal Affairs (Visits and Ceremonial Office) , Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry of Maori Development, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is supported by the National War Memorial Advisory Council, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association, Te Ati Awa (represented by the Wellington Tenths Trust), and the Wellington City Council.

Images of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior site plan are online at www.unknownwarrior.govt.nz

-ENDS-

For further information contact:

Catriona Robertson
Senior Adviser, Media Communications
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Tel: 06 308 8852/021 243 2058
Email: catriona.robertson@mch.govt.nz

See previous press releases relating to this project.

Next: Ceremonial Events of 11/12 November 2004 >