New look for Taupo cenotaph

27 November 2014

Taupo's cenotaph is getting a fresh new look to commemorate the centenary of World War I next year, with a refurbishment planned to start early next month.

Taupo District Council was successful in attracting a $144,000 grant from the government's Lottery World War One Commemorations and Environment and Heritage Committee toward the project.

The cenotaph itself will be tidied up with new granite panels and the surrounding area paved in red and black to resemble a poppy and the official centenary emblem.

Taupo District Council facilities manager Andrew Boden said the cenotaph was due for an upgrade and would be looking good for an important year in recognising the district's fallen soldiers. "This refurbishment will bring the cenotaph to life again," he said. "The design featuring the symbolic poppy evokes powerful emotions and we think this will help it become an even more special place to remember those involved in the Great War."

Work begins on December 8 and a fence will be erected around the cenotaph to ensure a safe work site. Signs will be up around the fence for the community to see what work is being done and what the cenotaph will look like once completed.

Work on the cenotaph is due to be completed in February, and will be followed by the laying of the red and black paving. This is scheduled to be completed in March.

The refurbishment will be a joint project coordinated by the council, with help from the Returned Services Association, Ngati Tuwharetoa and the Taupo branch of the Society of Genealogists.

The grant will also help fund educational activities hosted by Taupo Library and Taupo Museum leading up to and during the centenary.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz