One Wanganui woman who believes the pen is mightier than the sword is using her poetry to incite action from the district council.
The woman, who prefers to be known as "1 in 4 Whanganui", is penning a rhyme to instigate a clean-up of the Kepa Te Rangihiwinui (Major Kemp) statuein Moutoa Gardens.
The proud figure in military uniform, adorned with the Queen's Sword of Honour and New Zealand Cross is covered in avian faeces, moss and lichen.
It is in need of some love and attention, says the political poet, who hung a rhyme from the statue to try and stimulate the council into cleaning it.
"It just so happened to be International Poetry Week, and I want the board to be aware of the issue when it meets to discuss work to be done in the park.
"These gardens hold a depth of history many people are unaware of. Of course, most of us know of the protests that took place here, but this area was a battle site in the 19th century between Wanganui Iwi. Major Kemp protected Wanganui from invasion, and we need to look after his memorial," she said.
Kepa Te Rangihiwinui, Major Kemp, was a member of the Ngati Hau Iwi.
Famous for defending Wanganui against Hau Hau Maori tribes on the Upper Wanganui River, who threatened to invade the town in the Battle of Moutoa Island in 1864, he worked to unify Maori and Pakeha.
He was the first Maori chief to lead European men (as a military major) alongside a Maori contingent of 200 who were paid by the Government to follow him.
He fought alongside Captain Thomas McDonell, with whom he is famous for pursuing Te Kooti across the central North Island.
