It will have all the pomp and ceremony, including a "Freedom of the City" parade.
The monument, which originally cost the equivalent of $3236, was dedicated by Governor of New Zealand, Lord William Lee Plunket, on February 2, 1905, two and a-half years after the foundation stone was laid.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said yesterday the memorial rededication would be a major part of the official opening of the Thames St safety project on Saturday, June 20.
Reconstruction of the Thames-Severn-Coquet St intersection, including shifting the 960 tonne, 12m high monument 40m south, was a major part of the $3.2 million project to reduce the number and severity of crashes on State Highway 1 through central Oamaru.
NZTA project manager Simon Underwood said working with the community and New Zealand Historic Places Trust, along with the efforts of the contractors, were all key factors in successfully shifting the memorial.
"The official opening of the Thames St safety project provides a unique opportunity to rededicate a local icon that holds a special place in the Oamaru and North Otago communities," he said.
The 4th Otago and Southland Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment will march through Oamaru's main street to the memorial in a "Freedom of the City" parade.
The ceremonial parade is based on the tradition of a town giving a regiment the right to parade with arms, bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing, in return for protection.
The parade will form up on Thames St at the Usk St intersection, led by a pipe band of about 25 drummers and pipers.
At the first intersection, they will be challenged by police and, after establishing their credentials, will march to the monument and form up on the west side to be inspected by Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton.
After a speech by Mr Familton, a prayer which will rededicate the monument will be delivered by the battalion's padre, Major Tony Harrison.
It has been more than three years since the last Freedom of the City parade in Oamaru.
