Controversial flag artwork stolen from Hastings art gallery

Friday 5 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 5 Dec 2025, 6:32pm

In this story Hastings District Council, Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery

The installation titled Flagging the Future was stolen from Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery on Thursday. The artwork, which invited people to walk on the New Zealand flag, had previously prompted 101 complaints in a single week.

How they headlined it

5h

1:58pm6:32pm

1. NZ HeraldFri 5 Dec 2025, 1:58pm

   Controversial flag exhibit stolen from Hastings art gallery (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab), 1News (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 5 Dec 2025, 6:32pm

   Controversial flag exhibit Flagging the Future stolen from Hastings art gallery (opens in new tab)