The Archibald Baxter Peace Garden

Hello and welcome to this Boosted crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for an exciting new peace project in Dunedin - the Archibald Baxter Peace Garden.

What is the project?

The Archibald Baxter Peace Garden is an important project of New Zealand significance to honour and celebrate peacemaking and to recognise those conscientious objectors who have left a legacy of principled resistance to war that is today more relevant than ever in our conflict-ridden world. 

Archibald Baxter is New Zealand's best-known conscientious objector. Archibald steadfastly endured the suffering caused by his decision to reject military service during the First World War and was transported to France and exposed to the horrors of frontline warfare.  

Where is the Site?

The Dunedin site for the installation is the Albany Street steps, offered to the trust by the Dunedin City Council, and sits at the junction of Albany and George Streets, close to the city centre. Passed by large numbers of pedestrians and vehicles every day, this site will attract many visitors and provide a talking point which other more spacious but remote sites would not. At the same time, the focal point of the peace garden - the sculpture - will be raised far enough above street level to be a place for personal reflection.

The Sculpture and Peace Garden 

Arrowtown based artist, Shane Woolridge has designed the sculpture to be constructed from Queenstown schist and Glenorchy slate. As you can see in the video, the sculpture is in the form of a pillar of stacked plates, curving at the top, and inspired by the image of a prisoner tied to a pole in what was a form of military discipline known as Field Punishment No.1. Here is a link to Shane's website: http://shanewoolridge.co.nz/

The peace garden itself has been designed by prizewinning Queenstown landscape architects, Baxter Design Group. Their design is inspiring, beautiful and ambitious in scope. It will feature drifts of native planting, weathered timber boardwalk, timbered walls, exposed aggregate, seating and lighting. 

The completed project will be a valuable civic amenity that will enhance the area encompassing the Albany Street steps.

How much have we raised so far?

To date the Archibald Baxter Memorial Trust has raised approximately $126.000 towards the project which has been budgeted to cost around $426,000. Generous pledges have come from Otago Community Trust ($75,000), The Alexander McMillan Trust ($20,000) and the AAW Jones Charitable Trust ($10,000), and the balance from individual donations.

We would love your support!

We are delighted to be able to use Boosted crowdfunding to focus on the sculpture for the peace garden. Our aim is to raise $20,000 in 30 days to help reach the level of funding which will qualify us to apply to Lotteries Heritage for the balance of funds. A successful application will allow the project to proceed "full steam ahead."

Any donation, large or small, to this Boosted crowdfunding campaign will be gratefully accepted and we look forward to keeping you informed as we strive to meet our $20,000 funding target. Thank you!