A 7.5 metre tall sculpture and memorial wall will be dedicated to the men of the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company in Waihi today.

Organised by Waihi Heritage Vision, the commemorations kick off with a street parade through the township at 11am, before moving to Gilmour Reserve for the dedication at 1pm.

A 7.5m T-shaped iron sculpture and memorial wall will be dedicated to the men of the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company in Waihi today. Photo: NZTC/Facebook

Descendants of the Tunnellers will be joined by representatives from France, Australia and the Cook Islands, Defence Force members plus special guest Willie Apiata VC for the special ceremony.

Project manager Sue Baker Wilson says today's commemoration is the result of eight years of planning, fundraising and hard work by Waihi Heritage Vision.

The T-shaped iron memorial has been crafted by blacksmith Nicholas Brumder of Waihi Metal Studio, who was assisted by his son Nickson.

The company, which included a number of Waihi and Karangahake miners, was deployed to northern France's Arras area where they engaged in frontline underground warfare during World War One.

But despite being the first New Zealand unit on the Western Front and the last off it, this will be the first memorial dedicated to the Tunnellers' sacrifice in their home country.

Waihi Heritage Vision have also planned a number of activities and events to take place throughout the weekend.

This includes seminars on a range of topics at the Waihi Memorial RSA on Saturday, January 23, followed by a screening of the film Beneath Hill 60 later that evening. Registration is required.

The NZ Tunnelling Company Memorial dedication starts with a street parade starting on Moresby Avenue in Waihi from 11am, before the unveiling of the sculpture at Gilmour Reserve at 1pm.

For more information visit: www.nzetc.co.nz

The T-shaped sculpture and memorial wall being dedicated to the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Companyin Waihi today. Photo: Supplied