Roimata Pounamu – Tears on Greenstone

Tears on Greenstone – Roimata Pounamu is the largest jade (nephrite) structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

This overwhelming memorial wall stands sentry to the museum proper and commemorates all New Zealanders lost in conflict. A veil of water descends from its towering height. Symbolising tears of mourning and renewed life, as it flows down the greenstone face voices through speakers echo continuously reading the names of the fallen in alphabetical order. This reading of the names is combined with special songs (waiata) and prayers (karakia).

At the wall, a touch screen computer enables visitors to search for information on lost family or friends. They can select and hear the name read from speakers for their own special moment of remembrance and if they wish, obtain a memorial certificate as a memento of their visit.