Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

Puheaku is Wellington’s National War Memorial Park, a place the year 7 & 8s have visited on a
field trip.
Upon arrival, we waited by Massey University for fifteen minutes or so. Then, we met up with Ricky, our guide, in a house that used to be a kindergarten. He started a speech in Māori and repeated it in English. Ricky presented us with exercises and maps, and we then headed out to visit the memorials.
First was the Influenza Pandemic, the predecessor of the common flu. It killed 9000 people in the first six weeks, just as soldiers had returned from WW1. It was a tragedy. Yet, it made quite an impact on modern medicine, providing us with knowledge to develop functional cures. The group noticed the splotches on the memorial, and hypothesised their identity.
Up next was a shell, engraved with two petal poppies, symbolising the enduring friendship between the pacific islands in The Great War.
Another memorial of note was the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and although identifying them is possible, we didn’t for a particular reason. It could be anyone. For all you know, your great great grandfather is resting in that grave. Or your friend’s. This means that anyone could come weep for the death of this warrior, as there’s a possibility that it is their ancestor.
We left the park and hopped on the bus just as the next group arrived.

By Anais Mansencal Sellier