Work begins on Erebus memorial following protesters' eviction from Parnell site

Tuesday, 14 December 2021

Watch a video of the Te Paerangi Ataata – Sky Song design, which shows how the memorial design will appear in the natural landscape of Dove-Myer Robinson Park.

Work has begun on the national memorial to victims of the Erebus disaster, following the eviction of protesters occupying the land in November.

Construction for the memorial, named Te Paerangi Ataata – Sky Song, was due to start in October but was delayed by protesters after they set up camp on the site and blocked developers’ vehicles.

The protesters believe there should be a memorial to honour the 257 people who died in the country’s worst air crash in 1979, but not at the Parnell park, which they say will become a place of mourning rather than joy.

Work has begun at the national Erebus memorial after protesters were evicted in November.

“Early this morning, contractors arrived at Taurarua / Dove-Myer Robinson Park. I am pleased contractors were able to access the site in a safe and peaceful manner today,” Bernadette Cavanagh, the chief executive of Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, said on Tuesday.

Two protesters and an assistant staking out the work beginning at the national Erebus memorial in Parnell.

* Erebus memorial: Protesters pack up and leave, but vow to keep guard of Auckland park

* Erebus memorial: Start of construction rebuffed at contentious Auckland site

A Stuff journalist at the scene on Tuesday morning said the feeling was low-key and there were only about 15 protesters and 10 guards.

Signs at the Erebus memorial, where protesters have returned following the beginning of work.

“Accessing the site during the early hours of the morning helped minimise the health and safety risk to our contractors, as well as to protesters and the community,” Cavanagh said.

Protesters’ gripes are also centred around a large pōhutukawa tree that they believe could be cut down.

“The notable pōhutukawa tree will not be harmed by the establishment of the memorial. It is safe, and will continue to be kept safe, throughout the construction of the memorial and beyond,” Cavanagh said.

Ardern responded to the criticism in today’s bridge run.

“Independent arborists have reviewed the plans and have concluded the memorial poses no risk to the tree. I am confident the tree will remain a protected and well-loved pillar of the community for many years to come.”

Both sides claim to have the authority to enforce a rāhui.

“On cultural matters we continue to be guided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, whose rohe the memorial site is within,” the ministry said.

In a statement released to Stuff, Māori community leader Dame Rangimārie Naida Glavish (Ngāti Whātua) said she was “absolutely disgusted” with the ministry, Cavanagh, and Jacinda Ardern.

“Is this the type of protection for heritage they offer?

“It’s a breach of tapu, it’s a breach of the rāhui, it's a breach of the tāngata whenua, it’s a total breach that of course the Ministry of Culture and Heritage have no concern over.

“What’s happened now is divide and rule, a power game, an absolute power game,” she said.

Glavish singled out Ardern, accusing her of not communicating with the group, telling lies, and breaking the rāhui.

On Tuesday afternoon, Ardern responded to the criticism saying she gave her word the tree would be safe.

“You can see from the security fences being established that the tree sits outside of it, that’s because a lot of careful work has been done to ensure it will be unaffected by the establishment of the Erebus memorial.

“We owe it to the families and families of victims from the Erebus tragedy, one of New Zealand's greatest tragedies, to ensure that there is a site for contemplation and we committed to providing it,” she said.