By Charlotte Tonkin
Wanganui has a new statue of one of its most famous citizens – 19th century premier John Ballance.
The city’s previous Ballance statue had its head knocked off during the Maori protests at Motua Gardens.
The 79 day occupation of Motua Gardens occurred 14 years ago and John Mahi was involved.
He says we should acknowledge some of Ballance’s achievements, like getting women the vote, but for Maori he was a thief.
“Because of the decisions that were made – we lost our lands and he led it,” says Mr Mahi.
“Whether our mayor here understands that – he was the leader.”
The new statue sits outside the Council Chambers, where Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws says it belongs.
Mr Laws denies that Ballance was a thief.
“They are ignorant Maori, who don’t know their history or the history of our centre,” he says.
The bronze statue is not the only controversial piece of art in Wanganui – three years ago Bill Ranginui was commissioned to produce a work for the council chambers.
He included an ‘h’ in the spelling of Wanganui and Mr Laws took offence – refusing to hang it.
Mr Laws did not want to speak about this art work today.
3 News
source: newshub archive
