For more than 50 years the name of Mayor Charles Mackay was all but forbidden in Whanganui. In 1920 Mackay shot a man through the chest after he threated to expose the mayor's homosexuality. RNZ's Black Sheep podcast investigates the downfall of Charles Mackay, and how his story is being reevaluated in modern New Zealand.
New Zealand's first rainbow listing of a significant building has just been announced. 23 Ridgway Street in Whanganui was the private office of the city's former Mayor - Charles Mackay. In 1920 Mackay shot returned soldier Walter D'Arcy Cresswell through the chest because Cresswell was threatening to out Mackay as homosexual, if he didn't resign as mayor immediately. Former District Councillor and Whanganui Businessman James Barron was behind the campaign to get the building recognized. Other buildings on the Heritage New Zealand Rainbow Project list include Frank Sargeson's Takapuna residence, and a 19th Century Cuba St building in Wellington connected to Carmen Rupe, the trailblazing transgender woman and entertainer. James Barron explains to Sunday Morning the importance of recognising these buildings.
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