Norsewood War Memorial Restoration - 'Lest We Forget'

The Beck Memorial at the end of Coronation Street, near Norsewood School is one of very few memorials to a single man that was set in place in New Zealand in the years following the South African ("Boer") War. New Zealand is dotted with memorials to those who lost their lives in the Boer war, however these almost invariably honour groups.

The memorial was erected in the memory of Trooper H.J. Beck, 5th New Zealand Contingent, who was wounded in action at Lichtenburg, South Africa, 3 March 1901. He subsequently died of his wounds on 24 March 1901 at 23 years of age. The memorial unveiling ceremony took place at Norsewood on Sunday, January 26 1902. The memorial reads 'In grateful remembrance of a brave soldier, who gave his life in defence of the Empire.‘

The memorial is now showing its age & has degraded substantially. It requires significant repairs to restore its structural integrity, bring it back to its original glory & ensure it is protected for generations to come. This project will provide an area for veterans to assemble to march to the main town memorial during commemorative events (i.e Anzac Day) & provide a place for rest, reflection & acknowledgement of other Boer War Veterans. A group has been formed to undertake this project & intends to restore the memorial itself as well as remediating the site on which it sits. The project is being led by a relative of H.J Beck.

Community partners include:

Tararua District Council

NZ Remembrance Army

The Beck Family themselves