The Library has significance both as a memorial to the First World War dead of Whangaroa County, and as a relatively rare example in New Zealand of a ‘utilitarian’ First World War memorial. The very large majority of WWI memorials were explicitly and deliberately non-utilitarian (cenotaphs, monuments, school gates and so on) – only six WWI memorial libraries were built. This philosophy was changed following the Second World War, when memorials were deliberately designed to be community assets (halls, libraries, parks, swimming pools), as a direct response to what was then seen as the “uselessness” of the WWI memorials. After the Kaeo War Memorial Library ceased to function as a library, much of this significance was removed from the interior, even to extent of the removal of the rolls of honour from the building. However, externally, the building retains most of its original heritage significance.
Location
List Entry Information
Overview
Detailed List Entry
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
7393
Date Entered
6th June 1997
Date of Effect
6th June 1997
City/District Council
Far North District
Region
Northland Region
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 5 DP 33253 (RT NA119D/333), North Auckland Land District, and the building known as War Memorial Library thereon.
Legal description
Lot 5 DP 33253 (RT NA119D/333), North Auckland Land District