Art Law Decisions

We maintain a database of significant Art Law and Cultural Heritage decisions from New Zealand Courts and Tribunals which we publish here, subject to any suppression orders and copyright restrictions.

Often a single proceeding will involve several decisions, for instance where a party appeals the decision of a lower court to a higher one or if procedural points must be addressed before a substantive hearing. We will not include every decision in a proceeding and will only list those with relevant insights.

Several decisions listed here are no longer good law but may be of historical interest.

This is a work in progress, and we encourage any interested users to send us any new (or old) decisions of note that are not listed.

Case NameDateCitation / Download (if available)CourtOur InsightsArt Law IssuesArtist(s)External Media
Preece – Taonga Tūturu found at Rēkohu/Wharekauri30 June 2026(2026) 106 Te Waipounamu MB 217 (106 TWP 217)Māori Land Court of New ZealandProtected Objects; Taonga tūturu; Waka; Meaning of “found”; Archaeological excavation; Care and conservation; Crown statutory duties; Traditional ownership
Chief Executive Ministry of Culture and Heritage v Hokotehi Moriori Trust2 June 2026(2026) 105 Te Waipounamu MB 260 (105 TWP 260)Māori Land Court of New ZealandProtected Objects; Taonga tūturu; Ownership
Matchitt v Matchitt12 February 2026[2026] NZHC 198High CourtArtistic legacy; Trusts; Removal and replacement of trustees; Estate artworksParatene Matchitt (Para)About the Artist: Auckland Art Gallery, Public Art Heritage, Wikipedia
Agam v Moon2 October 2025[2025] NZCA 510Court of AppealContractual dispute (artist/printer); Artificer’s lien; Interim injunction; Security for undertaking as to damagesYaacov AgamArticle
Wellington Civic Trust v Wellington City Council1 September 2025[2025] NZHC 2552High CourtPublic art; Site-specific art; Judicial review; Local government; DemolitionParatene Matchitt (Para)City to Sea Bridge
Matchitt v Matchitt18 July 2025[2025] NZHC 1991High CourtArtistic legacy; Trusts; Removal of trustees; Originating applicationParatene Matchitt (Para)About the Artist: Auckland Art Gallery, Public Art Heritage, Wikipedia
Agam v Moon30 June 2025[2025] NZHC 1748High CourtContractual dispute (artist/printer); Sale of artworks; Stay pending appeal; Interim reliefYaacov Agam
Agam v Moon11 June 2025[2025] NZHC 1498High CourtContractual dispute (artist/printer); Interim injunction; Rescission/variation of orderYaacov Agam
Alalääkkölä v Palmer7 March 2025[2025] NZSC 12Supreme CourtCopyright; Relationship Property; Valuation and distribution of artworksSirpa AlalääkköläJudge blocks printing company from selling Israeli artist’s work
Genge v Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections5 March 2025[2025] NZHC 981High CourtObscenity; Prisoner drawings; Freedom of expression; Judicial review
Agam v Moon18 December 2024[2024] NZHC 3907High CourtContracts in the Art World: Lessons from the CourtsContractual dispute (artist/printer); Artificer’s lien; Statutory lien; Conversion; Interim injunctionYaacov Agam
Pickering v R2 December 2024[2024] NZHC 3641High CourtArt theft; Burglary; Art gallery; ReparationsArticle
Re Ron and Joan Gillatt Charitable Trust Board13 November 2024[2024] NZHC 3374High CourtArt charities; Charitable purpose; Public benefit; Cultural collections
LF v JN7 May 2024[2024] NZDT 354Disputes TribunalBailment; Stored artwork; Conversion; Negligence; Insolvency; Official Assignee
SB v QD24 February 2024[2024] NZDT 91Disputes TribunalArtist-gallery agreements; Consignment of artwork; Gallery commission; Exhibition agreements; Withdrawal of artwork; Ownership; Informal contractual terms; Sale of artwork
Alalaakkola v Palmer21 February 2024[2024] NZCA 24Court of AppealCopyright; Relationship Property; Valuation and distribution of artworksSirpa Alalääkkölä
ON v MB Ltd5 May 2023[2023] NZDT 132Disputes TribunalCoins; Online auction; Consumer Guarantees Act; Onus of proof
M Ltd v KC2 February 2023[2023] NZDT 26Disputes TribunalCoins and ingots; Authenticity; Online auction; Caveat emptor; Auction terms; Misleading conduct; Fair Trading Act; Consumer Guarantees Act
Smith-West v Discovery NZ Ltd20 December 2022BSA 2022-110Broadcasting Standards AuthorityPublic art; Vandalism; Freedom of expression; Broadcasting standardsDean Proudfoot; Tāme Iti;Vandalism or value?: Owner of artwork ‘corrected’ by Tāme Iti expects prosecution, artist says he appreciates it
LI v MB21 September 2022[2022] NZDT 158Disputes TribunalArt auction; Painting; Authenticity dispute; Auctioneer duties; Consumer Guarantees Act; Fair Trading Act
DC v JBD Limited11 March 2021[2021] NZDT 1379Disputes TribunalConsignment; Missing painting; Evidence of possession
Johnson v Nixon3 December 2020[2020] NZHC 3193High CourtOwnership; Stolen art; Nemo dat; Bona fide purchaser; Limitation; Relationship Property; Constructive trust; ConversionGoldie;The Widow Ngaheke, Perira te Kahikura
R v Hill24 September 2020[2020] NZDC 19895District CourtArt theft; Burglary; Art collection; Sentencing
Hayward v Police16 April 2019[2019] NZHC 848High CourtArt theft; Sculpture; Name suppressionGregor Kregar “Thinker”Article at Gow Langsford; RNZ Article
Northland Environmental Protection Society Inc v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Primary Industries9 November 2018[2018] NZSC 105Supreme CourtExporting objects under the Protected Objects Act 1975Protected Objects; Export; Swamp kauri; Forests Act
Friends of the Auckland Art Gallery Acquisitions Trust v Friends of the Auckland Art Gallery Incorporated & Ors17 July 2018[2018] NZHC 1768High CourtArt gallery funding; Charitable trusts; Acquisition of artworks; Variation of trust deed; Use of trust capital; Winding up; Cy-près scheme
Five photographs and 6 women photographers (corrected)16 May 2018[2018] NZFLBR 1 (16 May 2018)Film and Literature Review BoardObscenity; Fine art photography; Classification; Films, Videos, and Publications Classification ActRhondda Bosworth; Ann Noble
Northland Environmental Protection Society Inc v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Primary Industries19 December 2017[2017] NZCA 607Court of AppealExporting objects under the Protected Objects Act 1975Protected Objects; Export; Swamp kauri; Forests Act
Canterbury Regional Council v Mahon1 September 2017[2017] NZHC 2132High CourtPublic art; Sculpture; Freedom of expression; Political satire; Interim injunctionSam MahonArticle; The politics of art: Sam Mahon defends his defecating Nick Smith sculpture
Hoeberechts v Sprott & Nowacki14 August 2017[2017] NZHC 1928High CourtEstate artworks; Testamentary gifts; Paintings; Executor removal; Protected Objects ActAlfred Sharpe; Frances Hodgkins; Aston Greathead
Northland Environmental Protection Society Inc v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Primary Industries1 March 2017[2017] NZHC 308High CourtExporting objects under the Protected Objects Act 1975Protected Objects; Export; Swamp kauri; Forests Act
DE v FX7 February 2017NZDT 1381Disputes TribunalBailment; Sculptures; Conversion; Abandonment; Contributory negligence; Valuation
Re BU (Migrant Investor)29 September 2016[2016] NZIPT 203435Immigration and Protection TribunalProvenance; Ownership; Chinese antiquities; Immigration
Newbery v AA Insurance Ltd8 October 2015[2015] NZHC 2457High CourtInsurance; Definition of artwork; Sculpture; OrnamentsLLadro
Bambury v Jensen2 October 2015[2015] NZHC 2384High CourtContracts in the Art World: Lessons from the CourtsContractual dispute (artist/dealer); Agency; Fiduciary duty
AAZ & ABA v ZZE & ZZD Ltd25 February 2013
[2013] NZDT 29
Disputes TribunalArt Designed to Fail – Artistic Intention v Consumer RightsConsumer law; Art sale; Misleading conduct; Acceptable quality; Dealer skill and care; Cast-glass sculpture
Jones v Wickliffe7 August 2012[2012] NZHC 1960High CourtOwnership; Taonga; Kākahu; Māori custom; Estate; Trusts; Protected Objects Act; Detinue
Sydney v Sydney1 June 2012[2012] NZFC 2685Family CourtRelationship Property; Artist’s artworks; Art collection; Taonga; Family chattels; Gifts and inheritanceGrahame Sydney
R v Davies18 November 2011DC Wellington CRI-2011-083-1826District CourtCultural property theft; Medals; Books; Memorabilia; Museum collectionsArrest for theft of 800 military medals
Van Wakeren v R3 October 2011[2011] NZCA 503Court of AppealCultural property theft; Medals; Paintings; Rare books; BurglaryGoldie; Colin McCahonStolen medals returned to army museum; Goldie painting stolen from Auckland University
Apatu v Apatu10 May 2011HC Napier CIV-2009-441-515, 10 May 2011High Court, NapierHigh CourtOwnership; Testamentary gifts; Paintings; TaongaGottfried Lindauer
PJC v JC20 December 2010FAMC Christchurch FAM-2010-009-2693, 20 December 2010Family CourtRelationship Property; Art collection; Inheritance; Family chattels
Colmore-Williams v Prendergrast31 August 2010HC Auckland CIV-2010-404-337High CourtAuthenticity; Fraud; Art sale; ProvenanceGoldie
R v Kapa26 August 2010DC Auckland CRI-2008-083-2487District CourtCultural property theft; Medals; Victoria Cross; SentencingSecond medals thief named
Police v Spiteri18 January 2010DC Whanganui CRI-2009-083-2490District CourtArt theft; Paintings; Restaurant displayArticle
Radford v Hallensteins Bros Limited2 July 2009DC Auckland CIV-2005-004-3008, 2 July 2009District CourtCopyright; Moral rights; Public sculpture; Derogatory treatment; Commercial reproduction; Strike outJohn RadfordArtwork: TIP
Keating and Television New Zealand Ltd4 June 2008[2008] NZBSA 60Broadcasting Standards AuthorityBroadcasting standards; Accuracy; Fairness; Disputed ownership of artwork; Authenticity of artist’s signature; Alleged forgery; Alteration of artwork; Proposed auction sale; Copyright; Media reporting of art disputesPhilip Clairmont
R v Marshall17 December 2007[2007] NZCA 583Court of AppealArt theft; Sculpture; Receiving; Blackmail; RansomArticle
Radford v Hallensteins Bros Limited22 February 2007HC Auckland CIV-2006-404-4881High CourtCopyright; Public sculpture; Section 73 exception; Underlying works; Commercial reproduction; AppealJohn RadfordArtwork: TIP
R v Baleitavuki15 September 2006HC Auckland CRI-2005-004-22544High CourtArt theft; Receiving; Stolen paintings; SentencingPeter Beadle
Radford v Hallensteins Bros Limited17 July 2006DC Auckland CIV-2005-004-3008, 17 July 2006District Court, AucklandDistrict CourtCopyright; Public sculpture; Section 73 exception; Commercial reproduction; T-shirts; Strike outJohn RadfordArtwork: TIP
Solicitor-General v Uren11 April 2006HC Christchurch CIV-2005-409-1662, 11 April 2006High CourtProceeds of crime; Paintings; Forfeiture; Ownership; Nemo datRuifrok
RH v AF27 February 2006FAMC Auckland FAM-2005-004-1312, 27 January 2006Family CourtRelationship Property; Painting; Family chattel; Heirloom
Heineken Billboard Advertisement9 August 2005[2005] NZASA 262Advertising Standards AuthorityAdvertising standards; Graffiti as art
TVNZ and Page and Norris and Lee Holmes4 November 2004[2004] NZBSA 120Broadcasting Standards AuthorityPublic funding of contemporary art; Venice Biennale; Media representation of art; Broadcasting standards; Accuracy; Balance; Fairness
Lampp v Police1 September 2004HC Auckland CRI-2004-404-281High CourtDamage to artwork; Sculpture; Wilful damage
Van der Plaat v District Court at Invercargill11 August 2004HC Invercargill CIV-2004-425-165, 11 August 2004High CourtOwnership; Painting; Fraud allegation; Private prosecutionGottfried Lindauer
Perry v West15 December 2003HC Auckland CIV2003-404-002114, 15 December 2003High CourtRelationship Property; Painting; Separate property; TaongaColin McCahon
Page v Page7 May 2002HC Wellington AP1 02High CourtRelationship Property; Art collection; Secret trustEvelyn Page
Petterson v Rawleigh28 November 2001HC Wellington B320/00, 28 November 2001High CourtOwnership; Paintings; Inheritance
Francis v Davey16 August 2001HC Christchurch M221/00, 16 August 2001High CourtEstate artworks; Family Protection Act; Art collection; Antiques; Sculpture; Moral duty; Widow’s life interest
McIntyre v International Art Centre Ltd4 April 2001DC Auckland NP3884/00, 4 April 2001 District Court, AucklandDistrict CourtOwnership; Painting; Interpleader; Interim injunction; Preservation of ownership records
Allen’s Enterprises Ltd v Bank of New Zealand8 December 2000HC Auckland CL27/00, 8 December 2000High CourtAuthenticity; Antiquities; Online auction; Credit-card chargeback
MacDonald v Weir17 October 2000HC Auckland CP217im00, 17 October 2000High CourtCopyright; Sculpture; Artistic study; Injunction; Delivery upRichard MacDonald “Nureyev”; Michael Weir
R v Genovese24 September 1999HC Auckland T982633High CourtArt theft; Painting; Armed robbery; Auckland Art Gallery; SentencingJames TissotPortrait of a Museum Robbery; Tissot robber tells all;
Campbell-White v Prattley16 July 1999HC Auckland HC39/98 [1999] NZHC 1172High CourtRelationship Property; Authenticity; Overseas artwork; Benin statue
Boyd v Police29 April 1999HC Wellington AP68/99, 29 April 1999High CourtArt theft; Receiving; PaintingDavid MorrisonArticle
R v Te Kaha18 December 1998T No. 980938District CourtArt theft; Paintings; Protest; Urewera Triptych; SentencingColin McCahonArticle
Museum of New Zealand display ‘virgin in condom’ allowed under legislation1 January 1998[1998] NZOmbCN 40043OmbudsmanPublic museums; Curatorial discretion; Offensive art; Ombudsmen jurisdictionTania Kovats, Virgin in a CondomVirgin in a Condom: Te Papa’s baptism by fire; Article; ‘Virgin in a Condom’ artwork provoked violence month after Te Papa opening
Ansell v State Insurance27 March 1997HC New Plymouth CP12/95, 27 March 1997, High Court, New PlymouthHigh CourtInsurance; Art valuation; FraudTom Keating
Warwick Henderson Gallery7 February 1995[1994] NZASA 270Advertising Standards AuthorityAdvertising standards; Misrepresentation of artwork availability
White v Potter29 July 1994DC Auckland Plt387/92District CourtBailment; Gallery liability; Theft of painting
Panoho and Radio New Zealand Ltd18 April 1994[1994] NZBSA 17Broadcasting Standards AuthorityCultural appropriation; Māori symbolism; Koru motif; Contemporary art criticism; Media representation of art; Broadcasting standards; Accuracy; FairnessGordon Walters; Theo Schoon
Doyle v Borick1 November 1989HC Dunedin M124 89High CourtOwnership; Chain of title; Fraud; Power of attorney; Theft allegationFrances HodgkinsFrances Hodgkins – And Age is the Time of Peace
Department of Internal Affairs v The Poverty Bay Club Inc14 April 1989DC Gisborne, 14 April 1989District CourtProtected Objects; Export; Captain James Cook letters
R v Sim30 April 1987CA260 86Court of AppealArt forgery; AuthenticationGoldie; Petrus Van der Velden; Rita Agnus; Karl SimArticle: Famous forger
Young and Mullens v Commercial Union General Insurance Co Ltd24 September 1986HC Palmerston North A83/84, 24 September 1986High CourtInsurance; Valuation; Measure of indemnity; Unique antique
Cleminson v Cleminson9 August 1985[1985] NZHC 550High CourtRelationship Property; Investment art; Family chattel; PaintingFrances Hodgkins
Giles v Giles27 June 1984CA138/83, 27 July 1984Court of AppealRelationship Property; Gift; PaintingGoldie
Attorney General of New Zealand v Ortiz21 April 1983[1984] A.C. 1; [1983] 2 W.L.R. 809; [1983] 2 All E.R. 93; [1983] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 265; [1983] 4 WLUK 93; (1983) 133 N.L.J. 537; (1983) 127 S.J. 307House of LordsProtected Objects; Export; Conflict of laws; Māori carvings; Forfeiture
Chandulal v Chandulal5 November 1981HC Hamilton M 414/80 [1981] NZHC 176; (1981) 5 MPC 11High CourtRelationship Property; Trusts; Family chattel; Lindauer paintingsGottfried LindauerDocumentary: Gottfried Lindauer in New Zealand (paintings from case visible at 20:01-20:15)
Turner v Baigent4 February 1952SC Auckland [1952] NZPoliceLawRp 3; (1952) 8 New Zealand Police Law Reports 248; [1952] NZLR 271; [1952] GLR 151Supreme Court (equivalent to current High Court)Artist; Commercial activity; Sunday trading; Mural
Police v Turner30 August 1951(Magistrates Court, Auckland) [1951] NZMCRp 43; (1951) 46 MCR 130 (30 August 1951)Magistrates Court (equivalent to current District Court)Artist; Commercial activity; Sunday trading; Mural
Clarkson v McCarthy30 July 1917SC Auckland [1917] NZPoliceLawRp 19; (1917) 1 New Zealand Police Law Reports 106; [1917] NZLR 624; [1917] GLR 401Supreme Court (equivalent to current High Court)Obscenity; Art; Public display; Indecent publicationGiorgione “Sleeping Venus”
Vautier v Fear13 June 1916SC Hamilton [1916] NZGazLawRp 111; (1916) 18 GLR 524Supreme Court (equivalent to current High Court)Sale of goods; Commissioned design; Art commission analogy
Police v Arsene Le Petit 8 June 1908(Magistrates Court, Napier) [1908] NZMCRp 71Magistrates Court (equivalent to current District Court)Obscenity; Art; Public display; Nude picturesArticle: Not Art
Police v Lawrence8 October 1906(Magistrates Court, Auckland) [1906] NZMCRp 125; (1906) 1 MCR 169Magistrates Court (equivalent to current District Court)Obscenity; Art; Sale of pictures; Nude picturesLord Frederic Leighton “Psyche’s Bath“; Paul Thumann “Psyche at Nature’s Mirror”;
R v James Young3 March 1866[1866] NZLostC 112Supreme Court (equivalent to current High Court)James Young and the Museum Robbery: New Zealand’s First Art-Theft Case?Cultural property theft; Museum burglary; Housebreaking; SentencingArticle