 In May 2004, Prime Minister Helen Clark said,
A park would further enhance the area which is already being redeveloped with the building of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.It will provide a more appropriate setting for New Zealand's memorial to those New Zealanders who gave their lives in times of war.Significant aspects of our heritage and identity were forged in difficult times of conflict...this is illustrated by the growing numbers of people who attend ANZAC Day services in New Zealand.