New Zealand’s earliest built monument to the First World War is now a Category 1 historic place. It can be found at the intersection of Lower Albert and Quay Streets.

The monument was constructed by the Auckland Harbour Board to commemorate its employees who fought in this war, and was first lit in December 1915. It doubled as a beacon to guide vessels into the port.

In 1969 the memorial was dismantled and put in storage. It was re-established on the waterfront in 2000, thanks to an anonymous Jewish German refugee who funded the restoration work. In 2021-2022, it was re-sited at its original intersection and upgraded to a Category 1 historic place. 

Image: Alexandra Foster