By Stephen Ward in the Waikato Times (paywalled)…
A dispute over what’s variously described as a “Jewish” or “Israeli” art panel for the Settlement Centre Waikato has delayed the ceremonial opening of the revamped and extended facility for migrants and refugees at Claudelands Park.
The delay on Thursday follows concerns from the Palestine Waikato group who said it was “artwashing” that could distract attention from Israel’s “genocidal” actions in Gaza.
But the chairperson of the Wellington-based Holocaust Centre of New Zealand Deb Hart said it sounded like they were “trying to cancel a Jewish artist, which is anti-Semitic”.
The opening was due to be attended by Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee – she still showed up on the day but didn’t want to comment to the Waikato Times.
Read the full story on the Waikato Times here.
A petition on the issue is being circulated: Petition in support of Jewish Artist’s Participation in the Settlement Centre Waikato, NZ.
