New Zealand War Memorial

New Zealand War Memorial stands at Hyde Park Corner in the City of Westminster, London, and honours the New Zealanders who died in the First and Second World Wars. Its official name is "Southern Stand", and it is among the most unconventional war memorials in central London.

Who designed it and when was it unveiled?

The memorial was dedicated on 11 November 2006, Armistice Day. Two New Zealanders created it: architect John Hardwick-Smith and sculptor Paul Dibble. The scheme came out of a design competition won by Athfield Architects together with the Dibble Art Company. The New Zealand Government paid for it, at a cost of roughly NZ$3 million.

What will you see?

Sixteen upright bronze "standards" of different heights rise from a grassy slope. According to one source the tallest reach about 4.5 metres. Each standard is built from two intersecting plates, so from a distance or from above the group looks like crosses floating in the air.

The surfaces carry patterns, lettering, raised images, cut-out shapes and small three-dimensional models. Look for the silver fern, a manaia figure from Maori tradition, poppies framing words by First World War soldier Barney Lucas, and a figure of a Kiwi farmer. The memorial is meant to mark the bond between New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the sacrifice they shared in wartime.

Where exactly is it?

It sits on the north-east side of Hyde Park Corner, on the Piccadilly side near Wellington Arch. The Australian War Memorial stands diagonally opposite, so you can see both in one short walk.

How do you get there?

Hyde Park Corner Underground station (Piccadilly line) is right next to it. Many bus routes stop nearby, and you can walk from Green Park or Buckingham Palace in a few minutes. Entry is free and the memorial is in open public space, so you can visit at any hour.

When is the best time to visit?

Daylight shows off the texture of the bronze, while evening lighting gives the standards a different feel. Mornings are generally calmer than midday, when the Hyde Park Corner area is busy with traffic. November, around Remembrance Day, has particular meaning here.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The memorial is in a public space and free to see.

How many standards are there?

Sixteen bronze standards of varying heights.

When was it unveiled?

On 11 November 2006.

What else is nearby?

The Australian War Memorial across the junction, Wellington Arch, Green Park and Hyde Park.