The design for the new National Erebus Memorial for Auckland has been selected, the Prime Minister announced today.
The design Te Paerangi Ataata - Sky Song, includes a walkway going out to the horizon and aims to reflect "the enormity of the tragedy and provides a strong sense of connection and loss".
Two hundred and fifty seven people on board Air New Zealand Flight 901 died when the sightseeing flight crashed into Mount Erebus in Antarctica, on November 28, 1979.
"As the memorial is created, some 257 stainless steel snowflakes will be cut out and given to the families, connecting them to the site and providing a symbolic keepsake that can be passed on to others," Ms Ardern said.
It’s been almost 40 years since the nation’s worst air tragedy.
"The design has a strong narrative to engage visitors and provides a sanctuary within its walls, evoking the great emptiness experienced for those who lost their lives."
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said it was appropriate the location of the memorial was in Auckland, which was where the flight took off from.
"The memorial in Dove-Myer Robinson Park, overlooking the Waitematā, is in a beautiful setting, which I hope will provide comfort and solace to those who lost family and friends on Erebus," Mr Goff said.
The design was created by Wellington firm Studio Pacific Architecture with designer and artist Jason O'Hara and musician Warren Maxwell.
The unveiling of the memorial is set for May 2020.
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