New Zealand Memorial - London

This memorial commemorates the enduring bonds between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and our shared sacrifice during times of war. It is a symbol both of our common heritage and of New Zealand's distinct identity.

Designed by architect John Hardwick-Smith and sculptor Paul Dibble, the memorial consists of 16 cross-shaped vertical bronze 'standards' set out in formation on a grassy slope. Each standard is adorned with text, patterns and small sculptures.

Paul Dibble's wife and assistant Fran Dibble explains that the individual 'standards' are 'made to stand in semi-grid formation calling to mind soldiers in procession, ... Pouwhenua markers around Māori ancestral sites, or Celtic remains' like standing stones.

The forward-leaning angle of the standards gives them a defiant pose 'reminiscent of warriors during haka, the defensive bat in cricket, and the barrel of a shouldered gun'. Thus the military, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and British links of the memorial are immediately established in the placing and attitude of the sculptures.