Temporary Cenotaph

Anzac Day 1927

In 1920, the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association proposed to build a temporary cenotaph for Anzac Day opposite the parliamentary buildings. This monument would remain the focus for Anzac Day services for following nine years at various locations around the city, while a more substantial monument was discussed and planned.

In this photo from 1927, the memorial is placed at the intersection of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay.

The permanent Wellington Cenotaph was constructed between 1929 and 1931 to a design by architects Aimer, Draffin and Grierson in partnership with sculptor Richard Gross. The memorial was first officially used on Anzac Day 1931.

‍ ‍Anzac Day Processions, Wellington. Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP-0676-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22322596