Toppling the Past?:

This article explores some of the recent debates over statues, memorials and cultures commemoration in New Zealand. These 'statue wars' are particularly focused on explorers, military men, colonial governors, even Queen Victoria herself, figures who seen as being deeply implicated production persistent inequalities pain that has resulted from colonialism empire. My analysis focuses city Tūranga/Gisborne, James Cook's first landing place Zealand a location where there sequence heated legacies series attacks statues navigator. It three ways which city's landscape memory been reshaped: removal contentious 1969 statue, creative redevelopment long-standing historic reserve, erection statue to key Ngāti Oneone tupuna (ancestor). discussion highlights work arguments historian artist, Nick Tupara. The final section essay turns author's own - Ōtepoti/Dunedin offers reading city, underlining pivotal importance indigenous perspectives history public space.