Heritage

Seddon Memorial

Location

Wellington

Client

Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Date

2018-2022

The Seddon Memorial in Wellington, built 1908-1910, stands tall above the tree tops in honour of the Right Honourable Richard John Seddon (1845-1906), New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister. The design is a reinforced concrete column faced with Coromandel granite, mounted over a concrete crypt, complete with a life size bronze figure at the top, which represents the State in mourning for its dead.

Conservation
Drones
Condition Report
Repairs
Marble
Bronze
Seismic Strengthening
Memorials
Monuments

Salmond Reed Architects was initially commissioned to undertake a measured survey, drone photography and a thorough inspection to assess the condition of the Memorial and produce a conservation statement; in particular in relation to longstanding issues of water ingress to the structure. Detailed historic research was undertaken to fully understand the monument’s significance and history of repairs.

In 2019, Salmond Reed Architects produced a detailed specification of conservation works and coordinated the seismic assessment. During 2021 and 2022, the physical restoration and seismic upgrade was undertaken in 2 phases and involved installation of a structural steel frame in the Crypt and central void, installation of 17 post-tension tie rods, cleaning and conservation repairs to bronze, granite and marble, repairs and painting of the perimeter wall and railings. This complex, challenging project was successfully completed in December 2022.

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Salmond Reed Architects were the architectural heritage consultants for the seismic upgrade and full restoration of St Barnabas and the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord at Diocesan School for Girls, completed in September 2025. Working in close collaboration with Creative ARCH design architects and Fraser Thomas Engineers, to achieve 100% of the New Building Standard (NBS), alongside a comprehensive restoration of both chapels. The project employed traditional conservation techniques and materials to preserve the historic character of these significant heritage buildings.

Contact our experienced team to discuss your project

Address

Level 4, Landmark House
187 Queen Street
Auckland CBD 1010

Mailing
PO Box 105929, Auckland City 1143