Families Split Over Erebus Memorial Location in Christchurch

The decision to erect a memorial for the victims of the *Air New Zealand* flight that tragically crashed into Mt Erebus in Antarctica in July 1979 has sparked outrage among some family members. The memorial will be located at Cracroft Reserve in Christchurch, a choice that has been met with strong criticism from those who feel it is far from where most families reside.

On November 28, 2023, it was announced that the memorial will honor the 237 passengers and 20 crew members who lost their lives in New Zealand’s deadliest aviation disaster. Among the most vocal critics is Simone Bennett, whose father, David Bennett, was a crew member on the ill-fated flight. Simone, who was only 11 years old at the time of the crash, expressed her frustration over the memorial’s location, stating, “[I’m] devastated. I not only speak for myself, but many other families… we feel that we have been rail-roaded.”

Bennett emphasized that a majority of families prefer a memorial closer to their homes, particularly in Auckland, where many of the victims’ relatives still live. “My father was a strong unionist… he would fight for this, I know he would,” she said. She articulated the emotional toll of the decision, noting that many family members, now in their 80s, will find it challenging to travel long distances to visit the memorial.

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage had explored over 50 potential sites in the greater Auckland area before settling on Christchurch. In July, three locations in Christchurch were presented to the Erebus families for consideration. While the choice of Cracroft Reserve has been finalized, the Avon riverbank has been identified as a backup site.

The Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) has welcomed the decision to establish a memorial in Christchurch. President Andrew McKeen, a 787 pilot, expressed satisfaction that the memorial will finally honor the victims. “Since the tragedy, many of our members have retired or passed on. Others still remember the turbulent months that followed that day in 1979,” he stated. McKeen also pointed out that the pilots on board, Captain Jim Collins and First Officer Greg Cassin, were cleared of any negligence by a Royal Commission inquiry.

The memorial’s construction represents a long-awaited step toward remembering the victims of the Erebus disaster, which has left a lasting impact on the aviation community in New Zealand. McKeen noted, “We will now have a permanent national memorial. Erebus will forever be remembered by our industry and especially our members.”

As the memorial’s construction moves forward, the division among families highlights the complexities of grief and memorialization. For many, having a local site to visit is essential for the ongoing process of remembering loved ones lost in the tragedy. Bennett articulated a simple alternative: “They could just plant a beautiful garden and just have the names of all the people that lost their lives and I’d be happy with that.”

The discussions surrounding the memorial continue to evoke strong emotions as families navigate their personal connections to the tragedy and the desire for a dignified place to honor their loved ones.