An artist's impression of the new New Zealand Memorial that is being constructed on Canberra's ANZAC Parade.

The New Zealand Memorial currently being built in Canberra, and scheduled for official opening on ANZAC eve, 24 April, will be unique in a number of respects.

As well as commemorating the ANZAC experience in war, and serving as a permanent reminder of the long history of co-operation between New Zealand and Australia, the Memorial will be the only one of the ten memorials on ANZAC Parade to occupy both sides of the Parade.

Additionally, and significantly, both Maori and Australian Aboriginal cultures are reflected in the design.

The Memorial will be dedicated on ANZAC eve, in the presence of the New Zealand Prime Minister, Ms Helen Clarke, and the Australian Prime Minister, Mr John Howard.

The Memorial features two 11.5-metre-high bronze arches facing each other on either side of ANZAC Parade. The arches represent the handles of a Maori kete (a flax basket), and symbolise the sharing of war and the benefits of peace. Woven flax is a particularly strong element in New Zealand culture and the kete handles are a metaphor for co-operation, mutual experiences and sharing the load to achieve a common goal.

At the base of each handle of the Memorial is a gathering space - paved areas that continue the kete and weaving themes both conceptually and physically. One paved area represents New Zealand and the other, Australia.

To coincide with the dedication of the Memorial in ANZAC Parade, a New Zealand Defence Force exhibition will be staged at the Australian War Memorial. The exhibition - 'ANZAC the New Zealand Story' - will explain the special historic military links between Australia and New Zealand, while emphasising the Kiwi component of ANZAC.

Historic treasures from New Zeland Navy, Army and Air Force museums will be displayed, while personal stories will be presented in narrative or a mix of audio/video.

The design of the Memorial is the work of New Zealand sculptor, Kingsley Baird, and the Wellington-based Studio of Pacific Architecture - winners of an international competition.

The New Zealand High Commissioner in Canberra, Mr S. Murdoch, said the Memorial will recognise the closeness of the two countries in war and peace.

'The Centenary of Federation in Australia seems a most appropriate time in our two histories. The realised design is going to be a great addition to Canberra's museums and memorials,' he said.

Mr Murdoch said that the New Zealand Memorial would be one of those works of art that would warrant more than one viewing. The Memorial would have great depth and subtlety owing to its design which incorporated and acknowledged, the vibrancy of the Aboriginal and Maori cultures.

* Mr Tanswell is a former editor of RAAF News.

By Noel Tanswell