* Controversy over New Zealand colonial statues long-standing* Christchurch statues staying put despite low regard from local iwiRemoving statues is not unique to the issues of today. Advocates of removing statues of controversial figures, suggest that these monuments represent individuals whose lives should not be memorialised. I don’t think any New Zealander believes we can fill the gaps in the telling of our history or address racism by simply toppling statues. But we can better tell both sides of our story by erecting new statues of treasured Māori leaders and teaching New Zealand history in schools. In September last year, our Prime Minister announced that New Zealand history will be taught in all schools and kura by 2022.

Source: Stuff June 22, 2020 23:01 UTC