The delay of the memorial of the Erebus disappoints | Otago Daily Times News Online



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The government agreed to build a national memorial for the victims of the plane crash of Mount Erebus in 1979 in Antarctica, but it is not scheduled in time for the 40th anniversary from disaster next year.

National memorial to name all those who died are happy that it will be built, but disappointed by the delay.

They have not indicated where they want to build it, but two relatives of victims said Auckland would be appropriate. The group, which includes June, Lady Hillary and other relatives of those who were killed during the Air New Zealand flight, hoped the memorial would be in place for the 40th anniversary of the disaster next November. .

Group spokesman Richard Waugh said yesterday that the Department of Culture and Heritage had told him that the scale and complexity of the memorial project meant he would not be ready for the fortieth year.

Although the ministry was contacted about the idea in early 2016, Mr. Waugh said, "They say something should be ready for 2020 maybe."

"That was quite

David Allan, a member of the group, who lost both parents and a teenage sister in the accident, has already complained of the frustration caused by the procrastination that the group had to face.

"We were ignored," It is embarrassing for Erebus families and procrastination can not be described as appalling. "

" I think it's unfortunate that they haunted the deadline of the 40th anniversary. However, I am delighted that they are doing it [a national memorial]he said yesterday.

The 257 people aboard the DC10 Air New Zealand – 237 passengers and 20 crew members – were killed in the accident. 19659003] There are several Erebus memorials, including the metal cross on the Antarctic Mountain.

A memorial at Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland names those who could not be identified positively or who were never found. Mr. Waugh said that the families he works with want an elegant, accessible memorial, not in a cemetery.

The ministry said the government was determined to establish an Erebus National Memorial and had originally planned to have it complete to mark the 40th anniversary.

"The Ministry has since received specialist advice that aims to obtain a … memorial completed in November 2019 is too ambitious, given the need for meaningful consultation and high quality governance, site evaluation, development of conception – including a contest – consent and construction

"We received one or two expressions of disappointment from family members. We absolutely understand this disappointment.

"However, more people have contacted the department to say that they support the decision, and agree that it is more important to obtain the commemorative right than to do it before the 40th anniversary. . "

now expect to dedicate the memorial in the first half of 2020, and will seek to mark the 40th anniversary of another, special, related to the establishment of the memorial.

– By Martin Johnston

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