You would have passed the Matakana War Memorial statue of King George V numerous times, who stands at the the entrance to our beautiful Matakana Village.

The Matakana War Memorial is a dedication to the 13 men from our village, who lost their lives in the First World War. In 2012 another plaque was added, listing six local men who died in World War Two. 

This statue, our symbol of remembrance has been continually vandalised since the 1980’s and sadly has met the hands of vandals once again, as last Saturday night the Matakana War Memorial was desecrated again with another beheading of the George V statue.

Previously in the years 1999, 2006 and 2011 the statues head was severed and on 2 occasions not recovered.

The cost in 2012 to sculpt and attach a new head for the statue was roughly $20,000+. Fortunately after some negotiations by Adrienne Miller the Auckland Council have again agreed to fix and pay for the repairs.

You may now notice that the War Memorial New Zealand flag is now hanging upside down on the monument, a navy signal that represents one being in trouble and needing help.

"This will be a reminder to all that past - that the Matakana War Memorial is in trouble and needs your help. I will return the flag upright when the head has been reinstalled” said Adrienne Miller.

We are thankful for the dedication to our War Memorial by passionate locals, as we want to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.