Last updated June 2026
The Napier War Memorial Centre stands on Marine Parade as Napier’s dedicated conference, events and memorial facility. Opened in 1957 as a tribute to local residents who died in the Second World War, the centre combines modern event spaces with a restored memorial bay. It underwent refurbishment in 2017 to create Hawke’s Bay’s purpose-built conference venue and saw the memorial elements reinstated and rededicated in 2023. The waterfront location provides Pacific Ocean views while preserving the rolls of honour for both world wars.
Practical Information
| Address | Marine Parade, Napier |
| Operator | Napier Conferences & Events (Napier City Council) |
| Opened | 14 July 1957 |
| Architect | Guy Natusch |
| Key redevelopment | Refurbished 2017; memorial restored and rededicated 6 August 2023 |
| Capacity | Natusch Ballroom up to 350 theatre / 300 dining / 450 cocktail; additional exhibition halls and breakout rooms |
| Features | Ocean views, air-conditioned spaces, modern AV, Natusch Ballroom |
| Memorial | Restored Roll of Honour plaques, Eternal Flame, mauri stone |
| Public access | During events; memorial by arrangement |
About the Napier War Memorial Centre
The Napier War Memorial Centre was designed by local architect Guy Natusch and opened on Marine Parade on 14 July 1957. The original building incorporated a conference hall, restaurant, aquarium, Roll of Honour, Eternal Flame, fountain and pond. It served as a memorial to Napier residents who died in the Second World War, with a First World War roll later added after the original was lost in the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake.
The facility has undergone several changes, including alterations in 1978 and 1995. In 2017 it was refurbished into a modern conferencing venue, during which the memorial elements were removed. Community efforts led to a full restoration project that reinstated the Roll of Honour plaques, Eternal Flame, mauri stone and flagpoles, with the ballroom renamed the Natusch Ballroom in honour of the original architect.
On 6 August 2023 the restored Napier War Memorial was officially rededicated. The centre now functions as both a premier events venue and a place of remembrance, with the Floral Clock also restored as part of the project.
Conferences and Events
Napier Conferences & Events operates the centre on behalf of Napier City Council. The waterfront setting and ocean views make it a popular choice for business conferences, AGMs, weddings, trade shows, exhibitions, dinners and community events. The Natusch Ballroom offers theatre-style seating for up to 350, dining for 300 and cocktail capacity for 450, with additional exhibition halls and breakout rooms available for flexible configurations.
The Memorial Bay and ANZAC Commemorations
The dedicated memorial bay houses the restored Napier rolls of honour listing local residents who died in the First and Second World Wars. The bay is open during events and accessible at other times by arrangement. The centre serves as a focal point for annual ANZAC Day commemorations.
What Visitors Often Say
Conference organisers and attendees praise the centre’s oceanfront location, modern facilities after the 2017 refurbishment, and the respectful integration of the restored memorial elements following the 2023 rededication.
Visitors note that the venue primarily hosts booked events rather than casual public access. The memorial bay can be viewed during events or by prior arrangement, and the site is a key location for ANZAC Day services each year.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council – Napier War Memorial: official page with history, restoration details and rolls of honour information.
Napier Conferences & Events: venue hire details, room layouts and booking enquiries for the War Memorial Centre.
NZHistory.govt.nz – Napier War Memorial Conference Centre: memorial register entry with historical context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Napier War Memorial Centre?
Marine Parade, central Napier waterfront with Pacific Ocean views.
When was the Napier War Memorial Centre opened?
14 July 1957, designed by Guy Natusch as a memorial to those who died in the Second World War.
What happened during the 2017 refurbishment and 2023 restoration?
The centre was refurbished in 2017 to create modern conference facilities; the memorial elements were removed at that time and fully restored and rededicated on 6 August 2023.
Can the public visit the memorial bay?
The memorial bay is open during events and accessible at other times by arrangement with Napier Conferences & Events or the council.
What events can be held at the centre?
Conferences, weddings, trade shows, exhibitions, dinners and community events. The Natusch Ballroom seats up to 350 theatre-style.
Are ANZAC Day commemorations held here?
Yes, the centre serves as a focal point for annual ANZAC Day commemorations.
Who operates the Napier War Memorial Centre?
Napier Conferences & Events on behalf of Napier City Council.
Is the ballroom named after the architect?
Yes, it was renamed the Natusch Ballroom during the 2023 restoration to honour designer Guy Natusch.
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