Memorials

Geoff has been instrumental in lobbying for two public memorials to the New Zealand victims of the 1918 influenza pandemic.

The national memorial was unveiled on 6 November 2019 by the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, with Geoff assisting.

Geoff Rice and PM Jacinda Adern unveil 1918 Influenza Memorial Plaque, 6th Nov 2019 — Geoff Rice and PM Jacinda Adern unveil 1918 Influenza Memorial Plaque at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, 6th Nov 2019. Source: https://mch.govt.nz/significant-sites/1918-influenza-pandemic-memorial-plaque

Professors Nick Wilson, Geoffrey Rice and Michael Baker 1918 Influenza Pandemic Memorial, 6th Nov 2019 — Professors Nick Wilson, Geoffrey Rice and Michael Baker 1918 Influenza Pandemic Memorial, Pukeahu War Memorial Park, 6th Nov 2019. Source: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/news/2019/uc-emeritus-professor-helps-pm-unveil-national-1918-flu-pandemic-memorial.html

In Christchurch, a small plaque was installed near Christchurch Hospital in August 2020, in memory of the 460 Christchurch victims of the pandemic. This was funded by members of the Canterbury History Foundation.

Black Flu memorial plaque installed near Christchurch Hospital in August 2020.