Tipu’s stance resonated with many New Zealanders, especially as a young wahine Māori openly defending the mana of the national flag. Her decision sparked a broader conversation about what counts as art, respect for national symbols, and the limits of artistic freedom.
Mainstream media also took note. The New Zealand Herald ran a poll on whether the installation was appropriate. With over 4,300 respondents, a striking 82 percent believed the artwork was inappropriate, while only 18 percent defended it as a valid form of artistic expression. Public opinion appears clear that many felt the piece crossed a line.
Mainstream media also took note. The New Zealand Herald ran a poll on whether the installation was appropriate. With over 4,300 respondents, a striking 82 percent believed the artwork was inappropriate, while only 18 percent defended it as a valid form of artistic expression. Public opinion appears clear that many felt the piece crossed a line.
Click image to view - NZ Herald poll
Legal concerns have also come into play. Under New Zealand’s Crimes Act, it is an offence to destroy or damage the New Zealand flag with the intention of dishonouring it. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to $5,000. This law has been enforced in the past, and some argue that the artist behind the installation should be held accountable. Using “art” as a defence risks creating a slippery slope, where increasingly harmful acts are justified under the guise of artistic expression. What’s to stop a paedophile claiming, “But it was art,” in defence of something as serious and criminal as taking exploitative photos of a child?
A look at Ruth Tipu’s Facebook profile offers further context. Her profile picture includes the phrase MNZGA, or Make New Zealand Great Again, a slogan linked to Destiny Church and often shared on social media. Tipu appears to be, or to have been, part of Destiny Church and its Legacy programme. Photos show her with Destiny leader, Brian Tamaki.
The Tamakis have long been vocal about protecting the New Zealand flag. Earlier this year, police fined protesters who performed haka on a motorway during a Destiny Church flag protest, which temporarily shut down the motorway. Twenty people were fined $250 each after entering the motorway on foot as part of the demonstration.
Some may frame Tipu’s actions in terms of her political or religious affiliations, her supporters view her as someone who stood up for national pride and cultural respect. Regardless of differing views, her actions clearly struck a chord with the public.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in Aotearoa between artistic freedom and cultural reverence, especially when national symbols are involved. It raises important questions. When does art go too far? Who decides the line between protest and offence? And what responsibilities do artists, citizens and institutions have when engaging with our shared national identity?
Ruth Tipu’s actions, and the flag on the gallery floor, have sparked a conversation that New Zealand cannot ignore.
Matua Kahurangi is just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes. He blogs on https://matuakahurangi.com/ where this article was sourced.
14 comments:
There should have been two flags on the floor. And an observer to count which flag got trod on the most. But in reality, I suspect that a majority of Nzer's wouldn't stoop so low as to stomp a flag. All flags are symbols of pride and culture and deserve respect. Perhaps the art project should have included a video recording the people who did stomp on the flag. And have a sign explaining that it is unlawful and police would be reviewing the stompers. That would still be art? It is crystal clear that the artist and many other whingeing Maori do not respect anyone else. MC
If someone troubles to set up the maori insurgency (Rangatiratanga) flag with the message Wipe Your Bottom Here I would join the queue. The symbolism of black surfing in on the back of white over a sea of blood is abyssmal.
Maori forget that the NZ flag represents British influence and the sacrifice of 2 World Wars. Had the Nazis and Japanese triumphed there would have been no huge settlements or Waitangi Tribunal but likely a far more grim and final reponse to agitation.
“Under New Zealand’s Crimes Act, it is an offence to destroy or damage the New Zealand flag with the intention of dishonouring it. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to $5,000. This law has been enforced in the past”? Not to Tame Iti it wasn’t.
In 2005, Tūhoe activist Tame Iti shot the New Zealand flag with a shotgun during a Waitangi Tribunal hearing. He was initially charged with firearms offenses and desecrating the flag. While Iti was convicted on firearms charges, the Court of Appeal overturned these convictions, ruling that his actions, while foolhardy, did not cause the required harm.
Is the “artist” a part Maori? I applaud Ruth Tipu action.
It's the same sort of blatant nonsense that prevailed over Tusiata Avia's, James Cook profane vitriol that masqueraded purportedly as 'Art' in the form of a poem.
If ever there was an example of hate speech, that was it. But, no, we couldn't prosecute, yet alone find fault, with a Pacific Island woman who ended up getting taxpayer funding and promotion. Diane Prince's work in this instance is equally a disgrace, and it should be removed and she given a warning that if is continued, she'll be prosecuted, period.
Tame Iti shot the Australian flag because, reputedly, the Warehouse was out of New Zealand’s flag at the time.
Yeah right.
Iti was filmed by a news crew on January 16 firing a double-barrel shotgun into the New Zealand flag on the ground in Ruatoki as the Waitangi Tribunal arrived for hearings into the Tuhoe claim. He said it was part of a re-enactment of the invasion and land confiscation in the Ureweras in the 1860s. - By Audrey Young 2005
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/iti-arrested-over-shotgun-protest/M5IUJPSSDQHOF3OC37DHVELTUQ/
Can I recommend that all Mori who can read, download the following and get their heads around the early history of the British. They must be relieved the Vikings did get here first. https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=honorscollege_mrsp
Hey mate, what is aeotearoa?
Regarding the question, "is it art?"
Well I think not, but we have seen some really nutty so called "art" in New Zealand. For example:-
1/ An outdoor shithouse that brayed like a donkey which won an art award.
2/ A staircase full of paper rubbish also won an art award.
3/ Remember the condom on the nun?
Where is Tremaine when needed?
Mori represents such a fashionable translation it shoud be adopted as the standard spelling. Reading Polack it is amazing how far modern names depart from the as heard te ro of old. W for Whangarei
Just noticed Laws on the Platform on the subject. Magnificent. If he was on National TV they would capture viewers as in the days of Bryan Edwards.
You mean "Ayo-tear-rower".... does not exist.... Could be where the canoes of Mori were told to F-off to from Hawaiki - and don't come back.
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