William Wakefield Memorial

The William Wakefield Memorial is a stone structure with an integrated drinking fountain located outside Basin Reserve cricket ground. The monument showcases both original elements and additions from the late 19th century, all restored to working condition in 2006.

The memorial was commissioned in 1850 following Wakefield's death but remained in storage for decades due to the New Zealand Company's declining reputation. It was finally erected at its current location in 1882, more than three decades after its creation.

The memorial reflects the early interactions between European settlers and Māori people during New Zealand's founding era. Visitors can read the inscriptions that document this complex period of settlement.

The memorial stands directly beside the Basin Reserve entrance and is easily accessible on foot. Informational panels on site explain the monument's history and the restoration work that brought it back to its current state.

A drinking fountain was added to the memorial in 1886 and operated for many years before falling out of use in the 1940s. During the 2006 restoration, the fountain was returned to working order and visitors can use it today.

GPS coordinates: -41.30063,174.78131

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02