Stock-take needed at Te Papa over art loss

National Party Arts & Culture spokeswoman Georgina te Heuheu says she is shocked by the admission from Te Papa that there are 34 paintings ‘outstanding or lost’ from its collection.

“This is simply not good enough. Te Papa is trusted with providing the proper care and attention to important New Zealand artworks on the taxpayer’s behalf. But today, they’re telling us they don’t know where 34 of those paintings are.

“It’s an appalling state of affairs. The Minister in charge of Arts & Culture, Helen Clark should be seeking a ‘please explain’.

“At the very least she should demand Te Papa conduct an immediate stock-take to determine precisely which paintings are missing,” says Mrs te Heuheu.

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