Summary

Crafted in 1892, this treasured monument commemorates the 138 imperial and colonial troops who died in and around Whanganui.

The sleeping lion, sculpted from two blocks of Mt. Somers stone, symbolizes the British Empire as it rests on a tomb-shaped block of Waikawa stone.

Over time, exposure to the elements and some ill-advised cleaning and repair methods have necessitated extensive work to restore and conserve all aspects of the monument.

Lime Works has been awarded the tender, and contracted by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, to:

  • Protect all heritage elements of surrounding Veteran’s Steps during project
  • Carefully remove lion to safe storage
  • Remove marbles plaques to safe storage
  • Re-build Bluestone monument core and detailing using NHL lime
  • Re-build surroundings steps to true levels and original condition
  • Reinstate lead lettering to plaques
  • Reinstate plaques and lion