Art comes home for NZ public

By FRANCESCA MOLD

Almost 60 artworks created by some of New Zealand's finest artists have arrived home after spending years on the walls of overseas embassies.

The Government has decided to transfer art works held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to public galleries and museums around the country so that people here can enjoy them.

Among the 59 works, valued at $3.4 million, are pieces by Colin McCahon, Gordon Walters, Ralph Hotere, Toss Woollaston and Frances Hodgkins.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, also Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said that it was a wonderful opportunity for galleries and museums to enhance their collections.

"These are significant works by well-established New Zealand artists.

"They have served a valuable role in representing New Zealand art and culture abroad," she said.

"Now they will come home to be seen by the New Zealand public."

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said an independent commissioner would be appointed to develop an appropriate process for distributing the works to art institutions throughout the country.

As the pieces are brought back to New Zealand, new works by emerging artists will be selected to replace them on display at overseas posts.