Latest news with #ReturnedandServices'Association
1News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 1News
Art gallery removes controversial NZ flag artwork
Artwork at a Nelson gallery featuring a New Zealand flag inviting viewers to "please walk on me" has been removed as a safety precaution. "Flagging the Future" was put on display at Suter Art Gallery in Nelson as part of a multimedia exhibit featuring the works of Māori artist and weaver Diane Prince. The piece was a 2024 recreation of an artwork which went on display at Auckland Art Gallery in 1995 which was also pulled due to controversy. In a statement posted to social media this evening, Suter Art Gallery said the piece has "generated significant public response" since the exhibition opened. "While many have engaged with the work thoughtfully and respectfully, recent days have seen a sharp escalation in the tone and nature of the discourse, moving well beyond the bounds of respectful debate," the statement read. ADVERTISEMENT "The safety of our staff, visitors, and artworks in our care is our top priority. In light of these developments, we have decided to remove the work as a precautionary measure. President of the Nelson branch of the Returned and Services' Association Barry Pont told Local Democracy Reporting that his reaction to seeing the artwork was one of 'shock horror'. 'Over the years, we've fought under the New Zealand flag and to wipe your feet on it is an insult in my eyes,' he said. 'You've got to give and take a bit, but this is beyond the joke, I think… I don't mind the flag lying on the floor, but not with the wording 'wipe your feet'. That's an insult to New Zealand's flag.' In the post announcing the removal of the artwork, the gallery said: "This should not be interpreted as a judgement on the artwork or the artist's intent. We continue to support freedom of expression and the vital role that art plays in reflecting and shaping national conversations in a democratic society."
Scoop
23-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
Hamiltonians To Gather On Anzac Day In Remembrance
Press Release – Hamilton City Council The 2025 Anzac Day commemorations at the Memorial Park Cenotaph will begin at 6am for the dawn service, followed by a civic service at 10am. Hamiltonians of all ages will once again gather to honour Fallen and Returned Servicemen and Women on Friday 25 April. The 2025 Anzac Day commemorations at the Memorial Park Cenotaph will begin at 6am for the dawn service, followed by a civic service at 10am. Returned and Services' Association Chaplain Lance Langley will be master of ceremonies for both services that mark the anniversary of the landing of the ANZACs (the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. Mayor Paula Southgate, who will speak at the civic service, shares the importance of the annual day of remembrance. 'It's a time for Hamiltonians to come together and honour the bravery and sacrifice of those before us. In doing so we remember those to whom we owe so much, and we keep the history alive for our future generations.' Large screens will be positioned at each end of Memorial Park so attendees can see and hear proceedings from multiple vantage points. The services will also be livestreamed on Council's website The dawn parade will depart from the corner of Victoria Street and Anzac Parade at 5.50am while the civic parade will assemble on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade at 9.45am. Air Commodore Shaun Sexton New Zealand Defence Force will be the guest speaker at this year's civic service. As with past Anzac Day commemorations, more than 5000 poppies will be installed on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade. The Hamilton RSA will place 350 white crosses in Memorial Park in memory of Hamiltonians lost in conflict. The tradition of remembrance has been passed down the generations for more than 100 years. Among the young people who will be participating in this year's services is Staff Sergeant Cadet Isabella Aglioti. 'Anzac Day is a day to remember those who have fought before us for our rights and freedom that we have today, as well as those currently serving in the Defence Forces,' shares Aglioti. 'I participate in the Anzac Day service because my father was in the Defence Force, and he has shown me what a pride it is to carry this uniform on my shoulders.' Anzac Day road closures A series of road closures around Memorial Park will be in place on Friday 25 April.
Scoop
23-04-2025
- General
- Scoop
Hamiltonians To Gather On Anzac Day In Remembrance
Hamiltonians of all ages will once again gather to honour Fallen and Returned Servicemen and Women on Friday 25 April. The 2025 Anzac Day commemorations at the Memorial Park Cenotaph will begin at 6am for the dawn service, followed by a civic service at 10am. Returned and Services' Association Chaplain Lance Langley will be master of ceremonies for both services that mark the anniversary of the landing of the ANZACs (the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. Mayor Paula Southgate, who will speak at the civic service, shares the importance of the annual day of remembrance. 'It's a time for Hamiltonians to come together and honour the bravery and sacrifice of those before us. In doing so we remember those to whom we owe so much, and we keep the history alive for our future generations.' Large screens will be positioned at each end of Memorial Park so attendees can see and hear proceedings from multiple vantage points. The services will also be livestreamed on Council's website The dawn parade will depart from the corner of Victoria Street and Anzac Parade at 5.50am while the civic parade will assemble on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade at 9.45am. Air Commodore Shaun Sexton New Zealand Defence Force will be the guest speaker at this year's civic service. As with past Anzac Day commemorations, more than 5000 poppies will be installed on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade. The Hamilton RSA will place 350 white crosses in Memorial Park in memory of Hamiltonians lost in conflict. The tradition of remembrance has been passed down the generations for more than 100 years. Among the young people who will be participating in this year's services is Staff Sergeant Cadet Isabella Aglioti. 'Anzac Day is a day to remember those who have fought before us for our rights and freedom that we have today, as well as those currently serving in the Defence Forces,' shares Aglioti. 'I participate in the Anzac Day service because my father was in the Defence Force, and he has shown me what a pride it is to carry this uniform on my shoulders.' Anzac Day road closures A series of road closures around Memorial Park will be in place on Friday 25 April.
