Spirit of Napier

Most days at one time or another whether I am cycling along the Marine Parade foot/cycle path or driving along Marine Parade I see the Spirit of Napier.

This monument, which is said to represent the rise of Napier from the ashes after the earthquake, was erected in 1971 on the Gilray Reserve at the South end of the Parade. It was sculpted by Frank Szirmay and funded by a bequest by Dr Thomas Gilray.

The Gilray Reserve was developed in honour of the said Doctor who died in 1971 after having begun practice in Napier in 1911 and been Superintendent of the Napier Hospital in 1921-22.