Controversial Memorial for Mt Erebus Victims Finally Announced

Efforts to establish a memorial honoring the victims of the Mt Erebus disaster have encountered significant challenges, culminating in the recent announcement regarding its location in Christchurch. This decision follows a tumultuous journey marked by public dissent, bureaucratic hurdles, and community opposition since the tragic incident on November 28, 1979, when Flight TE901 crashed in Antarctica, resulting in the loss of 257 lives.

Initial Plans and Growing Controversy

In the wake of the disaster’s 40th anniversary, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged in 2017 to construct a national memorial within two years. She emphasized the need for a dedicated space where “all New Zealanders can come to pay their respects.” With approximately 71% of the victims hailing from Auckland, the memorial was slated for Dove-Myer Robinson Park in Parnell, Auckland.

However, opposition emerged from local residents, notably Anne Coney, who expressed concerns about the impact on the park’s green space. Coney’s campaign, supported by notable figures such as Māori leader Dame Naida Glavish, escalated to protests that blocked construction efforts in early 2021. Despite eviction notices issued by the Auckland City Council later that year, construction remained stalled due to a 2022 Ombudsman investigation that deemed the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) had failed to adequately consult with the community.

Searching for a Suitable Site

As discussions continued, the Auckland anniversary weekend floods in January 2023 further complicated matters, causing damage near the intended site. After more than five years of planning, MCH began exploring alternative locations. Several potential sites in Auckland faced resistance, and discussions with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei regarding a site at Bastion Point proved unfruitful.

By 2024, MCH suggested relocating the memorial to Wellington’s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, a proposal met with backlash from Erebus families who highlighted the sightseeing nature of the flight. The Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) was caught off guard by this suggestion and expressed opposition.

In a bid to resolve the situation, MCH consulted with Christchurch City Council, despite the fact that only two of the 257 Erebus victims were from Christchurch. In November 2024, the ministry surveyed families regarding their preferred location, with 56% favoring Auckland, 27% leaning towards Christchurch, and 16% for Wellington. Nonetheless, MCH persisted with the Christchurch proposal.

In December 2024, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger offered two potential sites: Cracroft Reserve and the Avon River. Family members were given just nine days to respond to the survey about these locations, limiting their ability to evaluate the sites adequately. Despite a majority of responses favoring the Avon River, MCH officials recommended Cracroft Reserve.

The decision to place the memorial in Christchurch has left many families feeling disheartened. Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, MCH’s chief executive, acknowledged the discontent surrounding the decision, explaining that MCH struggled to find a suitable site in Auckland despite considering over 50 locations.

Family Reactions and Reflections

Reactions to the announcement have varied widely. Martin Stokes, who lost his father in the crash, criticized MCH for what he described as a significant failure to meet the expectations of the families involved. He expressed frustration that the consultation process felt disingenuous and claimed the ministry had ignored the families’ input.

Others, like Paul Gilberd, whose grandfather was also a victim, expressed mixed feelings. While he acknowledged a sense of relief that a memorial would finally be constructed, he lamented the inconvenience for families living in Auckland, noting the additional travel required to visit Christchurch.

For Christine Edney, who lost her sister on the flight, disappointment lingered over the choice of location. Yet, she remained hopeful for the completion of the memorial. “Just get on and get it done,” she urged, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the memorial’s timing, which coincides with her son’s birthday.

As families continue to grapple with the implications of this decision, the journey to a memorial that truly honors the legacy of the Erebus victims remains fraught with emotion and complexity.