Location of National Erebus Memorial revealed in Christchurch

A Christchurch reserve with views of the Southern Alps has been selected as the preferred location for the long-awaited National Erebus Memorial, commemorating the 1979 Antarctica air disaster. Cashmere's Cracroft Reserve has been identified by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage as the best site for the memorial, almost 46 years after the Air New Zealand scenic flight crashed into Mt Erebus, killing all 257 people on board. Families of the victims have endured an excruciating wait for a national memorial, with some saying they had given up hope of seeing one in their lifetimes. Two Christchurch sites were formally offered by the council as potential locations this year - Cracroft Reserve in Cashmere and the banks of the Avon River - after an aborted plan to build the memorial in Auckland. Photo: Supplied Ministry for Culture and Heritage secretary Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae said Cracroft Reserve was a fitting place for the memorial. "Cracroft Reserve has panoramic views over Christchurch and out to the Southern Alps," he said. "It's a space where both quiet moments or group gatherings can take place, it's tranquil, green and has a beautiful outlook. "It's been almost 46 years since the Erebus disaster - Aotearoa's worst civil accident. A memorial is long overdue and what I know for certain is that Erebus families deserve a memorial as soon as possible. "Avon riverbank is also a very strong site, with many positive attributes. I've made the decision to retain the Avon riverbank as an alternative site in the event that we are unable to progress Cracroft Reserve." Leauanae said the memorial would be a place for Erebus families, members of Operation Overdue - who were involved in the recovery mission - New Zealanders and international visitors to gather, remember and reflect on those who lost their lives. The government committed to building a memorial in 2017, but the project has been mired in controversy, protest and delay ever since. Photo: Courtesy of Archives New Zealand A plan for a memorial at Auckland's Dove Meyer Robinson Park in Parnell faced major pushback, with objectors claiming it would change the tone of the gardens. The plan was ultimately abandoned in 2023, after cyclone damage meant the land was unsafe to build on In July, three potential Christchurch sites were shared with the Erebus families, via online workshops - two council-owned options (the Cracroft Reserve and Avon River sites) and the St James' Church grounds in Harewood. Sixty-five percent of people who responded to a survey supported building the memorial in Christchurch, with nine percent conditionally supportive and 26 percent opposed to building it in the city. Some Erebus families preferred building the memorial in Auckland. Photo: Supplied Leauanae said the ministry had explored 50 different sites for the memorial in the greater Auckland area over the past two years, none of which were suitable, and was recently advised that Takaparawhau in Auckland was no longer a potential location. "I have been heartened by Christchurch's warmth, generosity and support through the process of identifying potential sites," he said. "Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is fully supportive of the memorial being located with Ngāi Tūāhuriri and the people of Christchurch. "I am confident that Christchurch's warm welcome to Erebus families, and the city's experience and understanding of the importance of remembrance will provide the right space for this national memorial." David Allan, who's parents and sister died in the Erebus crash, told Checkpoint he visited the Cracroft Reserve site just last week and was "thrilled" with the location. "The vista from there [...] is just an amazing panoramic view. You're looking over Christchurch, across the Canterbury Plains, to the Alps, and almost right up to Kaikoura. So it's a fantastic viewpoint." He said Christchurch - where the Antarctic Centre is located - is an appropriate place to have a memorial. He said he was thrilled they had finally got to this point, but it had been a long and hard road. "A lot of us now who lost close family are all obviously 46 years older," he said. "I think it's an indictment of our community that we haven't been able to do it before now." He preferred the Cracroft Reserve to the Avon River location. Allan said marking the 46th Anniversary tomorrow would come with mixed feelings "We have got a little memorial we had sculpted in our garden and I always put a bunch of flowers there and have a moment. But also it'll be special to know that we've got a memorial coming and that's really what we've been striving for, for so long." Phil Stewart, who lost his aunt Dawn Matthews in the Erebus crash, said he was pleased with the reserve decision. "A lot of people when we were being consulted said it needs to be a place that's suitable for quiet contemplation, and I think this looks perfect for that. It's accessible, it's got sweeping views out towards the...

Location of National Erebus Memorial revealed in Christchurch

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Location of National Erebus Memorial revealed in Christchurch

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