Nell Fisher Reserve and War Memorial (2 Rawene Road)

The small Nell Fisher Reserve across from the entrance to Birkenhead Library began as the Birkenhead Civic Reserve. Designed by Frank Finch, it was built partially to serve as a gathering place for local events, and partially as a war memorial. When the reserve first opened in 1927, it featured a band rotunda, paved pathways, flowers and native trees, and the memorial. The reserve was later renamed in memory of the council’s first staff librarian, Nell Fisher.

The war memorial was designed by Finch in an art deco style composed primarily of granite and concrete. The four pink granite columns on the corners represent the virtues of Duty, Service, Fidelity, and Justice. The black slabs include several inscriptions including a list of those who died from the Birkenhead area in World War I. Above the concrete monument are bronze olive branches and victor’s wreaths, signifying both peace and victory for New Zealand in the war. A globe at the top of the monument glows with a dull light every evening from sunset until midnight.

Cross Hinemoa Street at the crosswalk.