The removal of a statue of Captain James Cook from a Gisborne's Tītīrangi Hill is being welcomed by local iwi.
A statue of British explorer Captain James Cook taken in 2002 in Gisborne. Photo: AFP/Don Smith
The statue was erected in 1969 without iwi consultation and has been the subject of protests, vandalism and graffiti in recent years.
Its removal was wholeheartedly endorsed by all councillors and was especially significant to local iwi, Gisborne District Councillor Meredith Akuhata-Brown said
"It's significant because James never climbed Tītīrangi ... and so for local iwi it's been a massive disappointment that he's maintained that space for as long as he has," she said.
The statue will be housed in Tairāwhiti Museum until a permanent place is found for it.
A statue of the Māori chief Raikaitane was being considered to replace it, she said.