P A U L F O S T E R
Unveiling of NZ Statue, Messines - April 2014
Unveiling of the Statue to a New Zealand soldier
and the Inauguration Visitors Centre
Messines 25th April 2014
and the Inauguration Visitors Centre
Messines 25th April 2014
The statue excellently sculpted by Jan Dieusaert stands on the Messines to Ploegsteert road on the market square. The only question I had at the time, and still have, why not make the statue 'full size'? The unveiling was made by Mayor ofMessines Sandy Evrard, Flemish Goverment Minister Geert Bourgeois and New Zealand Ambassador Paula Wilson.
Following the unveiling a traditional Maori Haka was performed as the large group of VIPs approached the group of Maoris slowly. A number of traditional songs were performed before everyone repaired to view the Visitors Centre that was then opened and we enjoyed a vin d'honneur and canapés.