Auckland's colonial-era statues could be removed after vandalism, protests

[PHDNM]

Auckland's colonial-era statues could be removed after vandalism, protests

Aug 19, 2020

A review of colonial-era monuments is underway to determine whether they should be removed, given their link to racial inequality in New Zealand’s past.

The move comes after three monuments were vandalised in June, including a statue of former prime minister Sir George Grey in Albert Park which lost its finger and nose.

Auckland Council will engage with local iwi before deciding on whether to keep the statues later in the year.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300...alism-protests

[The Lawspeaker]

New Zealand is now pretty much a communist country.

[frankhammer]

To be honest, most of the statues were vanity projects by men who are generally unknown figures. No one will notice they're gone.

George Grey will remain. Unfortunately for him, Albert Park is next to Auckland Uni so more than likely, it was some drop-kick honky who did the damage. Maori may have their problems but statues don't usually concern them.

They are fully engaged in the Waitangi treaty process which for around 20+ years, has been negotiating settlements between the crown and local iwi-tribes over confiscated lands. The settlements are an ongoing process that few NZ'ers have a problem with. The Maori are not our enemy and they were not slaves. They signed a treaty that was not honoured by certain colonial governments and as a nation of laws, we are resolving these outstanding issues.

Yes, the government in power at the moment are centre-left nanny staters but they've only been in power one term of three years and they may get another in the upcoming elections. However, very few remain in power longer than two terms. NZ'ers like to keep it fresh. Both main parties are centrists because that's how you stay in power here.

[frankhammer]

Here is a statue I passed many times in my childhood. I liked it as a child for its artistic qualities but like most people here, never gave it any thought otherwise.

To follow are three links. One where an activist is advocating its removal then another where common sense prevails. Also a link giving a little more detail on the conflict. Certain Maori tribes used this conflict to increase their tribal land holdings too hence the allying with European settlers.

https://www.waateanews.com/waateanew...nial-brutality
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/965...kland-man-says
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Wars