Trust to guard Hotere works

Dunedin artist Ralph Hotere has established a charitable trust to ensure his private collection does not end up owned by one person.

Hotere announced the formation of the Hotere Foundation Trust after a longstanding dispute between him and Port Otago over the resiting of one of his works was resolved last week.

Dunedin QC Judith Ablett-Kerr represented the reclusive artist in the dispute over the work Black Phoenix II and is chairwoman of the new trust.

"Ralph has been anxious that his personal collection, including his own work, is used in a way that enhances knowledge and appreciation of art for all New Zealanders and not merely for wealthy collectors," she said.

The dispute over Black Phoenix II, made from the stern of a charred fishing boat, began in 1993 when Hotere's studio property in Port Chalmers was acquired for a Port Otago development.

Hotere had opposed the development but eventually agreed to sell his property on the proviso the port move his studio to a nearby site.

That never happened, but the port authorities have now agreed to lease a property in Port Chalmers to the new trust to display Black Phoenix II and three works by other artists.

The four works have lain in a port warehouse since the dispute began.