In the red corner

Decisions about the future of colonial statues across New Zealand rest with the local communities they stand in. To some, they represent a glorification of violence and oppression. To others, they are part of our history and should not be forgotten, past mistakes are not repeated.

A couple of years ago, the Gisborne District Council decided to remove the statue of Captain Cook from atop Titirangi after repeated requests from Nga¯ ti Oneone.

More recently, the Hamilton City Council decided to remove the statue of Captain Hamilton from Civic Square after a request from Waikato-Tainui.

These decisions were made in consultation with local communities.

A memorial to Nga¯ ti Oneone ancestor Te Maro now stands not far from where Captain Cook once did on Titirangi. Earlier this year, a statue of the late Dame Whina Cooper was unveiled by our prime minister in Northland, too.

Decisions relating to these monuments were also made in consultation with local people. I don’t think any New Zealander believes we can fill the gaps in the telling of