The John Middleditch sculpture on display at the University of Otago's Dunedin campus was removed on Friday after RNZ earlier revealed the late artist's offending against young girls. Photo: RNZ
Warning: This story deals with child sexual abuse.
A sculpture by convicted child sex offender John Middleditch has been removed from the University of Otago's Dunedin campus.
RNZ previously revealed the late, prominent artist was convicted in December 1976 of eight charges of indecently assaulting girls aged between eight and 11, and one of attempted indecent assault.
It came to light after a woman, who accused Middleditch of sexually abusing her as a child in the 1970s, complained about his artwork on display at Dunedin Hospital.
The university said it removed the Eleven Bronze Rods Supporting Albatross Wingspan sculpture on Friday after reviewing its ownership of the artwork.
Registrar Dr David Clark said a panel agreed removing the sculpture aligned with its commitment to provide a safe environment, given the knowledge they now had about Middleditch's offending and convictions.
"Knowledge of this offending changes the nature of the relationship between the university community and the work concerned, and its removal from public display reflects a need to re-think the place that the work has in the university," Clark said.
The six-person panel consulted a wide range of people and included sexual violence support and prevention expertise, he said.
The panel was expected to finish its final report in the next few weeks and Clark confirmed the university would review any further recommendations.
The sculpture was moved into storage.
Last month, two paintings by Middleditch, including one of three naked girls, and a plaque naming him in front of his water fountain sculpture at Dunedin Hospital were removed.
RNZ has contacted Tūhura Otago Museum about its intentions with the convicted sex offender's artwork.
Sexual Violence
- NZ Police.
- Victim Support 0800 842 846.
- Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00.
- Rape Prevention Education.
- Empowerment Trust.
- HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655.
- Safe to talk: 0800 044 334.
- Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa.
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496.
