Rainbow Warrior Monument
Rainbow Warrior Monument, Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand
The Rainbow Warrior Incident was an inexcusable act of terrorism that occurred in New Zealand sponsored by another 'friendly' nation. The Rainbow Warrior was a Greenpeace vessel that was preparing to sail to French Polynesia to protest the French government's decision to go ahead with nuclear testing in the South Pacific. Terrorists, with the backing of the French government, blew up the vessel while it was anchored in Auckland Harbour, killing a photographer in the process. Two of the terrorists were eventually caught and convicted. Within a couple of years, intense political and economic pressures by France led to their release and they were extradited to France, where they were released as heroes.
The remains of the ship, which were a hazard in Auckland Harbour, were eventually moved just off shore of Matauri Bay, in the Cavalli Islands, where divers can explore the ruins. The propeller was used to create this monument on a hill next to Matauri Bay.
©Bill Yeaton