Nelson flag artwork controversy

The story so far

An art installation by Diane Prince, featuring a New Zealand flag with the words 'please walk on me', caused offence in Nelson in late May 2025.^{27 May 2025} Criticism came from the local RSA and a councillor, while Deputy Mayor Rohan O'Neill-Stevens defended the piece as artistic expression.^{27, 28 May 2025} A local woman pledged to pick up the flag from the gallery floor every day, and the Deputy Mayor said the installation challenged perspectives.^{28 May 2025} The Suter Art Gallery then removed the work, titled Flagging the Future, from public view, citing safety concerns and an escalation in public debate.^{29 May 2025}

Latest

The Suter Art Gallery has removed the artwork from public view, citing safety concerns and escalating public debate.^{29 May 2025}

Key moments

1. 27 May 2025Artwork with 'please walk on me' flag sparks offence; RSA and councillor criticise it.
2. 28 May 2025Woman vows to pick up flag daily; Deputy Mayor defends installation.
3. 29 May 2025Suter Art Gallery removes Flagging the Future, citing safety and escalating debate.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.