Anzac fronds to be unveiled in new home

A ceremony will be held next week to mark the unveiling of the Anzac Fronds in their new position at the Anzac Drive-New Brighton Road intersection.

The fronds were originally installed on Anzac Bridge in 2000 but following the 2010-11 earthquakes they were removed and have since been in storage.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel will host the official ‘unfurling’ of the fronds in their new location on Monday 15 November.

Recently elected Coastal ward Councillor Celeste Donovan will be sworn in as a member of the Waitai Coastal-Burwood Community Board at the same event.

Board Chair Kelly Barber says the fronds – made of pre-weathered steel – hold a special place in the hearts of local residents.

“We are really pleased to have these unique pieces of art back on display in our community. Their return represents another positive step in the recovery of our eastern community and having our new Coastal councillor sworn in at their new site is a nice touch.

“The board and residents are very grateful to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and everyone associated in any small way with their restoration.”

The new-look fronds have been placed into four free-standing concrete bases which sit on reserve land at the corner of the roundabout.

Their new location connects them with the Poppies over Gallipoli sculpture on the corner of Anzac Drive and Travis Road.

Funding for the investigation, repair, redesign and installation of the fronds was provided by the Board and Waka Kotahi.