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 to remove 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.
rnz.co.nz
