Site preparation for the long-awaited National Erebus Memorial has begun again, after progress was stalled by protesters occupying the site.
Artist impression of the proposed Erebus Memorial. Photo: Ministry of Culture and Heritage
Plans for a memorial, to remember the 257 people who were killed in the 1979 Air New Zealand crash at Mt Erebus, have been disrupted since Feburary this year.
Protesters camped out Auckland's Sir Dove-Myer Robinson Park, saying the memorial is out of place in the park, would take up precious green space, and a sprawling pōhutukawa tree could be damaged.
In a statement, Manatū Taonga (Ministry for Culture and Heritage) chief executive Bernadette Cavanagh said she was pleased contractors were able to access the site in a "safe and peaceful" manner.
"Ensuring the health and safety of everyone at the park has been a top priority. Accessing the site during the early hours of the morning helped minimise the health and safety risk to our contractors, as well as to protesters and the community," she said.
"Manatū Taonga remains firmly committed to establishing the site and getting work on the National Erebus Memorial underway.
"As always, my thoughts are with the families and friends of the 257 people who died in the Erebus tragedy. They remain at the heart of our continued mahi to create the memorial."
Cavanagh said her thoughts were with those who took part in the recovery operation in Antarctica as part of Operation Overdue, in particular the former colleagues, friends, and whānau of retired inspector Greg Gilpin, who passed away recently.
"Greg was a strong supporter of the memorial project. I know his passing has been felt keenly by many of those involved in Operation Overdue and by a number of Erebus families, who he met and supported in the years following."
She said she remained confident in the integrity of the processes around the memorial.
"The environmental, cultural and heritage values of the park will be properly respected and protected.
"The notable pōhutukawa tree will not be harmed by the establishment of the memorial. It is safe, and will continue to be kept safe, throughout the construction of the memorial and beyond.
"Independent arborists have reviewed the plans and have concluded the memorial poses no risk to the tree.
"On cultural matters we continue to be guided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, whose rohe the memorial site is within. We remain grateful for the support of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, particularly their support for Erebus families."