The National War Memorial carillon tower before the commencement of the dawn service Photo: RNZ / Ana Tovey
The government has spent over $10 million to do up the country's bell tower that plays for fallen soldiers, but is now getting rid of the only person who plays it.
The country's sole carillonist, Timothy Hurd, has been playing the bells - 74 of them, totalling 70 tonnes, spanning six octaves - for about 40 years in a bell tower that is now the centrepiece of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
Hurd used to play them three times a week.
But once the tower reopens after seismic-strengthening early next year, that will be cut right back to once a year.
Historian Stephen Clarke says for the bells to fall silent is tantamount to forgetting. Former National Minister for Culture and Heritage, Chris Finlayson speaks with Kathryn.
