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Wellington Council Revises Art Policy Amid Portrait Controversy

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, the Wellington City Council urged photography for mayoral portraits to save costs.
A council statement said a misunderstanding led to commissioning Whanau's portrait before formal guidance existed.
The city art collection policy is being revised for clarity and consistency.
Past portraits included a $9,000 Fran Wilde painting and an $8,500 Mark Blumsky painting.

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Story summary

In 2023, the Wellington City Council urged photography for mayoral portraits to save costs.
A council statement said a misunderstanding led to commissioning Whanau's portrait before formal guidance existed.
The city art collection policy is being revised for clarity and consistency.
Past portraits included a $9,000 Fran Wilde painting and an $8,500 Mark Blumsky painting.