The Anzac spirit was alive in Wellington as a handful of St Kilda players and coach Alan Richardson visited New Zealand’s National War Memorial in Wellington on Wednesday to pay their respects.
A restoration of the memorial is underway in preparation for the Centenary commemorations next year. An Australian Memorial is also being constructed on the site as a reciprocal gesture to the New Zealand Memorial located on Anzac Parade in Canberra.
New Zealand ambassador Shane Savage was among the group that received a tour of the site in remembrance of the 100 years since the Gallipoli landing.
“We’re at a really special place for New Zealanders and Australians at the National War Memorial and we’ve gotten a really great insight into the history of the war. It’s great to come here and thank and recognise what our forefathers have done,” Savage said.
“At the moment they’re upgrading the memorial getting it ready for next year’s commemorations but it will be a special place to come to reflect on the shared Anzac experience of war.”
The construction is part of major works to be renamed the National War Memorial Park, which also encompasses the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Tens of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders are expected to gather on the steps of the park on April 25 before heading to Westpac Stadium to see St Kilda take on Carlton.
The Saints are touring Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington this week to promote the AFL match across the community.
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“The whole team is all over the country at the moment, it’s awesome to come back and promote the St Kilda Football Club and the game I love,” the Auckland-born midfielder.
“The Centenary game next year is going to be a great experience for everyone involved on Anzac Day.”
