Focus on Robert Burns (Steell) and explore the Dunedin statue.
The Dunedin statue was the last of the set to be unveiled, on 24 May 1887. A statue of Burns was deemed relevant to the city, both because of the city's Scottish roots (it was founded by the Free Church of Scotland in 1848), and also because one of the city's founding fathers was Rev. Thomas Burns, a nephew of the poet.In likeness, it is closest to the London statue. There had been discussion whether to place the statue in front of the railway station, but an elevated placement in The Octagon, the central plaza of Dunedin, was eventually chosen. The statue was unveiled by Miss Burns, a great-grand niece of Robert Burns. Speeches were given by former Governor and Premier of New Zealand Sir George Grey, and Richard Henry Leary, the Mayor of Dunedin. Cyril Croker, a solicitor who spent his teenage years in Dunedin, would say of the statue that: It was situated between the Cathedral and two hotels, and, true to his reputation, Burns had his back to the Cathedral, and his face to the pub.
Because of its placement on what is now known as the McMillan terrace, the statue is the backdrop to many public speeches. On 27 July 1988, the statue was registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I heritage structure with reference number 2208. The statue is located at 45°52′26.5″S 170°30′11.5″E.
Free Church of Scotland The Octagon Cyril Croker Premier of New Zealand New Zealand Historic Places Trust Thomas Burns railway station Governor Cathedral Richard Henry Leary George Grey Dunedin Burns London Mayor of Dunedin Robert Burns