Tomb of the Unknown Warrior Design Plans

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior has been designed by a team led by New Zealand artist and sculptor Kingsley Baird. The design, inspired by the Southern Cross constellation, possesses a distinctive New Zealand character. The choice and treatment of materials, the use of symbols and language, strongly reflect the unique cultural identity of this land and its people. Bronze and stone are the primary materials used in the Tomb's construction.

The Warrior will be guided by the stars of the Southern Cross on his journey back to New Zealand. The distance of the foreign land he leaves behind is represented on the base of the Tomb by a night sky of black granite inlaid with light grey Takaka marble crosses. The crosses represent the Warrior's companions who died in service for their country and remain overseas. They also signify stars in the night sky. Around the base of the Tomb is text of a karanga, in Maori and English, calling the Warrior back to his homeland. A cloak of bronze, decorated with four inlaid pounamu crosses, alludes to the Warrior's national flag. It will be laid over his body as a celestial mantle. The bronze mantle also represents the vital role the Defence Forces play in protecting our nation and people.

RNZRSA Badge in Gold

The RNZRSA National Executive Committee has taken action on the resolution at the 2004 National Council that the Unknown New Zealand Warrior will be awarded the RNZRSA Badge in Gold on his return to New Zealand in November 2004. The awarding of the Badge in Gold is in remembrance of those New Zealanders who never returned from war.

Related links

Tomb of the Unknown Warrior (on this site)
www.rsa.org.nz/remem/unknown_warrior.html

Ministry for Culture and Heritage
www.nationalwarmemorial.govt.nz/unknown