2006 was a particularly special year for the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) It was the RSA's 90th Anniversary the 'Year of the Veteran' and the year that funding was approved for the RSA Memorial project. The concept has three key aspects:

• The first is an area for Commemoration
• The second is an area for Remembrance
• The third is an area of Education

The commemoration space is an open paved area, edged by columnar trees which focuses on a flagpole. The area is primarily intended for remembrance ceremonies.

The remembrance space is a semi-enclosed area for remembrance and quiet contemplation. It is semi-enclosed by four sculpted granite panels.

The education area is a diagonal axis featuring four large vertical panels, with a combination of text and imagery. These panels reveal some of the 'real' stories and experiences of New Zealand's servicemen and women. The exact design of these panels is currently being developed in consultation with the Auckland Museum.

Together the sculpted and educational panels are intended to bring the memorial alive, especially for younger generations removed from the time, events and people for who this memorial represents.

All of the elements of the RSA Memorial are protected, bounded by grass mounds and tall trees. The simplicity of the design, with appropriate detailing and quality materials will result in an elegant setting that is both respectful and welcoming The suite of hard and soft materials has been Carefully chosen with restraint to support the memorial panels. Hard materials are unadorned, featuring shades of grey and pure white with deep red Jarrah timber as support, while the planting is a strong mix of red and green.

dates: initial concept begun '01, construction scheduled to begin jan '08
values: consultancy $c60K (including consultants) construction $680K
key staff: maurice kiely, bridgit diprose, dave little
council procedures: involved a complex mcc funding application, liaison with and presentations to 2 community boards, liaison with mcc staff, rsa and site stakeholders, resource and building consent applications.
client contact: colin topp (rsa), phone 298 3419