This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Proposal for Classification report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. This memorial commemorates George Vesey Stewart (1832-1920), a figure of historical significance in the Bay of Plenty. He organised two special settlements at Katikati, buying the Katikati block off the government and selling it in lots to Irish settlers. He also founded European settlement at Te Puke and was very active in the public affairs of Katikati and Tauranga, becoming Tauranga's first mayor. He is estimated to have settled about 4,000 people in the Bay of Plenty.