A bronze statue of former New Zealand premier John Ballance has been unveiled in Wanganui, 14 years after its plaster-and-concrete predecessor was beheaded.
The original statue in Moutoa Gardens was decapitated by local Maori protesters during an occupation of the land in 1995.
John Maihi from the local iwi Tupoho says Mr Ballance - founder of the Wanganui Herald newspaper in the 19th century - has his place in Wanganui's history and he hopes the new statue will not meet a similar end to the original one.
Mr Maihi says he believes the Maori community has moved on from the frustrations of the 1995 land protests.
The new statue, unveiled by mayor Michael Laws, stands outside the offices of the Wanganui District Council.
