Papers Confirm War Memorial Park off the agenda
Budget papers released yesterday confirm that the National Government has indefinitely shelved the War Memorial Park in Wellington, says Grant Robertson, Labour MP for Wellington Central.
“The papers make clear that funding for the project has gone. In one document the project is described as being ‘cancelled’, and funding allocated in previous Budgets is no longer there. This is short-sighted and a real shame for Wellington and for veterans and their families,” Grant Robertson said.
The National War Memorial Park was to be built in Buckle St in Wellington to provide an area where New Zealand and other countries could honour those who have served New Zealand. Designs were developed last year, and a consensus between central and local government and the neighbouring Mt Cook School was on the table.
“A project such as this is a win-win. It would provide jobs in tight economic times, and it would continue to develop our heritage and national identity. Instead National has decided for political reasons to stop work on the project,” Grant Robertson said.
“Mr Finlayson knows that the Park was ready to go. Advice released from his own Ministry says that the project was ready to go with construction to begin in 2009. The only conclusion to draw here is that he has played politics on this issue since becoming Arts and Culture Minister.
“He still claims the project will happen, but the papers do not support this. Mr Finlayson’s words on this project are ringing very hollow. The reality is that it is back to square one in terms of funding for the Project. That’s not good enough. Veterans and their families deserve to see this Park built.”
“The Budget does appear to have some money set aside to tidy up the current vacant site where the Park would be built. While local residents will welcome that, it is a great shame that National have not made a commitment to the memorial for all New Zealanders to enjoy, “ Grant Robertson said.
