Tangiwai Memorial

The Tangiwai Memorial is a significant historical site in New Zealand, located near the state highway in Tangiwai.

The memorial commemorates the worst railway disaster in New Zealand's history, which occurred on Christmas Eve in 1953 when a railway bridge over the Whangaehu River collapsed beneath an express passenger train, killing 151 people. The disaster remains a significant event in New Zealand's history and made headlines around the globe. The nation was stunned, and many people had a direct relationship with someone involved in the tragedy. Over the following days, searchers found many battered, mud-soaked presents, toys, and teddy bears on the banks of the river, adding to the tragedy.

The Tangiwai National Memorial, designed by government architect F. Gordon Wilson, was unveiled at Karori Cemetery on 26 March 1957. The memorial features sixteen graves of Tangiwai victims, each with a bronze plaque at the foot. The eight named plaques are for: Edith Monica Cook (23), Jean Mary Cranch (19), Heather Edna Golding (29), Eileen Frances Hale (35), Kathleen Florence Hallam (24), Ronal Charles Hammond (25), Walter Edward Murray (54), and Adrianus Hubertus Thonissen (27). There are also eight graves for those whose bodies were never identified, which bear the inscription 'Known Unto God'. The Tangiwai Memorial is a touching and very interesting site to visit, with a mixture of profound sadness and serenity at the beauty of the place. Visitors can take an easy walk to the lookout and pay their respects to the victims of the disaster. The place name Tangiwai means ‘weeping waters’ in Maori, adding to the sense of tragedy.

In May 2017, former Arts, Culture, and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry announced a $40,000 cash contribution along with DOC planting and landscaping to upgrade the memorial. The Tangiwai Memorial is a must-visit site for anyone interested in New Zealand's history and a reminder of the importance of safety in transportation.