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Trial envisions safer site to reflect upon New Plymouth’s Cenotaph war memorial

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PUBLISHED: 23 JUN 2026
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The road around the New Plymouth Cenotaph is set to get a trial makeover from next month that will make the area safer for pedestrians and drivers as well as visitors to the war memorial.

The trial would see Queen Street become one-way between St Aubyn and Young streets, with entry open only to left-turning traffic from St Aubyn Street.

Planters, astroturf and coloured road surfaces would define the new pedestrian-only space on the western side of the Cenotaph.

Cenotaph Pedestrian Trial Site Plan

While some of the 20 car parking spaces in the project area will be moved in the trial, it retains the same number of spaces as now, including a mobility space, and retains vehicle access to neighbouring buildings.

“The Cenotaph is a place of reflection and ceremony to remember those who gave their lives in service to the country.  We’ve consulted with residents and the RSA (Returned and Services Association) and partnered with Ngāti Te Whiti hapū to create a proposal aimed at enhancing the dignity of the site by creating a pedestrian area between the monument and the Cenotaph Rock Garden on the western corner of Queen and St Aubyn streets,” said NPDC Senior Infrastructure Project Manager Gaye Batty.

“The Cenotaph sits in the centre of a complicated Y-shaped intersection that splits Queen Street traffic into four directions at two junctions with St Aubyn Street.  It’s an area with a very high vehicle volume, where sightlines can be limited especially during busy times.”

The trial has a budget of $300,000, which is 51 per cent funded by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and will be in place for 12 months before a report to the Mayor and Councillors giving road user data, public feedback and behavioural observations that will inform future decisions on the site.

Construction will start on Monday 29 June and is expected to take up to four weeks.

At a glance: 

  • The Cenotaph was unveiled in 1924 and has been a focus for Anzac Day remembrance services ever since.
  • Built from locally quarried andesite stone, it stands 10 metres tall and features a symbolically empty casket on top.
  • The project is part of the Ngāmotu New Plymouth City Centre Strategy adopted by the Mayor and Councillors in December 2021. 
  • It includes the West End Crossing, taking in the other end of Queen Street and parts of Devon and King streets, which should be completed within the next month. 
  • The strategy also includes opening up the Huatoki Stream between Devon and Powderham streets and replacing Devon Street’s ageing alder trees. 

 

Captions: New Plymouth Cenotaph. Map shows the new layout being trialled.

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Page last updated: 10:33am Tue 23 June 2026

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