Christchurch favoured for National Erebus Memorial

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has announced that Christchurch is the preferred location for a memorial, which would honour the 257 people who lost their lives when Flight TE901 crashed in Antarctica on 28 November 1979. 

The Ministry has paused further exploration of Auckland as a potential location for the Memorial. While the Erebus disaster had a profound national impact, many of those on Flight TE901called Auckland home and Christchurch acknowledges the aroha and manaaki shown to families over many years by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. 

Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says that after many years of exploration, the Ministry has been unable to identify a viable site in Auckland. 

Mayor Phil Mauger says Christchurch is ready to provide a home for the legacy of Erebus, honouring the families, the members of the recovery mission Operation Overdue, and the significance of the accident to all of New Zealand. 

“Above everything else, Erebus is the story of people and of enduring loss. Our first priority is to ensure Erebus families and the members of Operation Overdue feel supported and welcomed here in Christchurch,” Mayor Mauger says. 

“Christchurch has long been the gateway to Antarctica, and alongside that heritage, we have a deep understanding of remembrance, healing and holding space for grief and memory. 

“We're honoured that Christchurch will be the likely home of a new National Erebus Memorial.” 

The Council formally offered two sites to the Ministry – Cracroft reserve in Cashmere and the bank of the Ōtākaro Avon River in the central city.

After further consideration, the Ministry has identified Cracroft reserve as the most suitable and will continue to work closely with the Council as it engages the local community.