Pukeahu National War Memorial Park will be the site of a double celebration on Wednesday with the reopening of the
restored National War Memorial Carillon and the unveiling of theWellington’s Bell Stories interactive display.
The majority of the 74 Carillon bells were gifted by families to honour their loved ones who died in the First World
War, with the rest dedicated to battles, military units, and related groups.
Commissioned and donated by Wellington City Council as part of its WW100 commemorations, the Wellington’s Bell Stories display provides an interactive visual and audio experience, with an in-depth look at the stories behind five of the
Carillon bells donated by Wellingtonians.
The permanent display located in the National War Memorial foyer will add to the overall experience of the more than
60,000 visitors each year, says Mayor Justin Lester.
“For the past four years we have been commemorating the Great War through numerous projects, events, and ceremonies in
our WW100 programme – all of which have acted as a reminder of the massive toll the First World War took on the country,
the capital, and its communities.
“This display is a permanent remembrance, and also an engaging way to find out more about the significance of the bells,
and the stories behind the names they’re dedicated to,” says Mayor Lester.
Paul James, Chief Executive Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, is pleased to see the Carillon earthquake
strengthened and restored to its former glory.
“It’s been a long process, involving a dedicated team of experts overseeing this remarkably detailed operation, and
thanks to them we can now celebrate the bells’ return.
“The National War Memorial Carillon is integral to Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. dedicated to the more than
250,000 New Zealanders who have served overseas and in some cases sacrificed their lives in conflicts and peace-keeping
operations,” says Paul James.
A number of descendants of the dedicated bells will attend the event, which Wellington City Councillor Andy Foster has
played a part in.
“It’s been a concerted effort between the Ministry of Culture and Council to track down these living descendants to
further honour their relatives during this ceremony.
“The bell stories and reopening of the renovated Carillon are fitting tributes and a modern day reminder of our
commitment to reflect and remember those who sacrificed their lives over 100 years ago,” adds Councillor Foster.
The unveiling of Wellington’s Bell Stories visitor display on Wednesday 30 May takes place in the National War Memorial Hall, in the presence of Hon Grant
Robertson and His Worship Justin Lester Mayor of Wellington.
The unveiling will be followed by a Return of the Bells Carillon recital at 4.15pm by National Carillonist, Timothy Hurd QSM, to celebrate the completion of a four-year
restoration of the National War Memorial Carillon.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the recital which will be followed by the daily Last Post ceremony.