Honouring Our Heroes: Citycare Property's Role in Preserving ANZAC Memorials

Every Anzac Day, New Zealanders come together across the country to honour the brave men and women who gave their lives in service. At Citycare Property, we’re proud to support this national day of remembrance by helping ensure that memorial sites are beautifully maintained and respectfully restored. Behind the scenes, our teams have worked for many years to preserve and restore some of Aotearoa’s most cherished landmarks.

Christchurch: A City of Resilience and Remembrance

Christchurch has endured significant challenges following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, which left many iconic memorials damaged. Citycare Property has been privileged to support the city through several major restoration projects, helping return these sites to their former glory.

Bridge of Remembrance and Park of Remembrance

In 2013, Citycare Property partnered with JFC in a joint venture to repair earthquake damage to the Bridge of Remembrance—one of Christchurch’s most recognisable war memorials. The project also included constructing the surrounding Park of Remembrance in time for the 2016 Anzac Day parade.

The restoration was completed in September 2015. Key works included replacing the original 4-metre piles with 27-metre piles and reinforcing the historic arch with an 8.2-tonne beam—carefully preserving its historical integrity while ensuring modern structural resilience.

Originally opened on Armistice Day, 11 November 1924, by Governor-General Admiral of the Fleet Lord Jellicoe (who also laid its foundation stone on Anzac Day 1923), the Bridge of Remembrance stands as a solemn tribute to the servicemen and women who served in both World Wars and later conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, and Vietnam.

Citizens’ War Memorial

Citycare Property also played a key role in restoring the Citizens’ War Memorial—often referred to as the Cenotaph—in Cathedral Square. The 2023 Anzac Day dawn service marked a historic moment, with the memorial once again serving as the focal point for the city’s commemorations for the first time since the earthquakes—a return that moved many in attendance.

Originally located on church-owned land beside Christ Church Cathedral, the memorial was deconstructed in 2021 and carefully relocated to Christchurch City Council land. Citycare Property led the 18-month reconstruction project, working alongside BCP Concrete, European Tiling (who completed the platform paving), and specialist stonemasons Goldfield Stone.

Every detail, from the stonework to the concrete core, was meticulously documented to ensure the memorial could be reassembled exactly as it stood. Despite the challenges posed by COVID lockdowns and global supply chain disruptions, the team remained committed to honouring this important piece of Christchurch’s heritage.

ANZAC Fronds: A Symbol Returns

In November 2021, Citycare Property proudly joined project partners to celebrate the restoration and reinstallation of the ANZAC fronds—now standing at the intersection of Anzac Drive and New Brighton Road.

Originally installed on the Anzac Bridge in 2000, the fronds were removed for safety following the earthquakes and placed in storage. Their restoration and relocation were made possible through funding from the Waitai Coastal-Burwood Community Board and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Citycare Property worked closely with Christchurch City Council and architectural designer Shaun Hung to bring the project to life.

Commemorating with Care

Each of these projects has helped Christchurch recover restoring places where people can gather, reflect, and honour those who served. At Citycare Property, we are proud to play a part in ensuring our war memorials continue to inspire pride, remembrance, and respect for generations to come.