Last updated June 2026
The King George V Coronation Drinking Fountain stands as a Category 2 historic landmark at the heart of Cornwall Park in Hastings. Erected in 1911 to mark the coronation of King George V, the concrete structure with marble embellishments features a central column, drinking fountains, and lion statues. It serves as an iconic focal point in the district’s oldest public park, which spans eight hectares in the Mahora suburb.
Practical Information
| Location | Cornwall Park, Mahora, Hastings |
| Address / Access | Central Hastings, bordered by Cornwall Road, Roberts Street and Tomoana Road |
| Heritage Status | Category 2 Historic Place (Heritage New Zealand) |
| Year Built | 1911 |
| Designer | Victor Ernest Larcomb |
| Park Size | 8 hectares |
| Access | Free, open to the public; able to visit |
| Facilities | Playground, picnic areas, cricket ground, rose garden, aviary |
About the King George V Coronation Drinking Fountain
The monument commemorates the 1911 coronation of King George V and reflects early 20th-century New Zealand’s ties to the British monarchy. Plaques on the structure also record the 1901 gifting of the park land by the Williams family during the royal tour of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, and the 1927 visit by the Duke and Duchess of York.
Cornwall Park itself was named in 1901 and remains Hastings’ oldest and most established public reserve. The fountain was commissioned by the Hastings Borough Council with a government subsidy and won a design competition by local draughtsman and assistant engineer Victor Ernest Larcomb. It was built by E & W Platt.
The structure consists of a tall central column on an octagonal base, surrounded by four pedestals holding drinking fountains topped by vases and lion statues. Classical influences appear in the Corinthian columns and decorative moulded fruit and foliage. Materials include concrete with marble and granite embellishments.
The fountain continues to serve as a community gathering point and a favourite play feature for children who climb on the lions. It remains a visible and cherished element of daily park life.
Design and Features
The monument displays tempered Classical styling typical of commemorative public works of the period. The central column carries the commemorative plaques, while the surrounding pedestals integrate functional drinking fountains with ornamental lions and vases. Maintenance work in 2001 included replacement of the marble plaques.
Visiting Cornwall Park
Visitors can reach the monument via the park’s main pathways from Tomoana Road. The surrounding eight-hectare reserve offers a premier cricket ground, formal rose garden, playground with splash pad and climbing tower, picnic facilities, and an aviary. The park hosts regular events including Summer in the Park concerts and Christmas celebrations.
What Visitors Often Say
Many families describe the lions as a highlight for children, with generations remembering climbing on them during park visits. The monument is frequently noted as a photogenic and central landmark that adds historic character to the green space.
Locals and visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and the way the fountain blends into the park’s mix of playgrounds, gardens and sports facilities, making it a convenient stop during a relaxed outing.
Where to Learn More
Heritage New Zealand: Full list entry with historical significance, design details and photographs.
Hastings District Council: Current park facilities, events and booking information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the monument built?
It was constructed in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V.
Who designed the King George V Coronation Drinking Fountain?
Victor Ernest Larcomb, a draughtsman and assistant engineer for the Hastings Borough Council, won the design competition.
What materials were used?
The structure is primarily concrete with marble and granite embellishments.
Is the monument still a working drinking fountain?
The original design included drinking fountains; the structure remains in place though current functionality is not detailed on official listings.
Can visitors climb on the lion statues?
Generations of children have played on the lions, and this remains a popular activity noted in heritage records.
What other features are in Cornwall Park?
The park includes a premier cricket ground, rose garden, playground with splash pad, aviary and picnic areas.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The park features well-maintained pathways; specific accessibility details for the monument itself are not listed on the heritage entry.
Are events held at the monument?
The park hosts community events such as concerts and festivals, with the monument serving as a central landmark.
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