The Kapiti Coast’s iconic island could soon be off-limits to artists unless they cough up for a license.
In documents seen by the Kapiti Cryer, local authorities are considering banning any reproduction of the island by anyone who hasn’t paid an annual fee of $149.
Discovered last century, the island is a popular subject for local painters and photographers, many of whom exhibit at cafes or on social media.
Semi-professional photographer Anne Howard said she was horrified at the potential move to “privatise a public icon.
“I left England because of these sorts of regulations...so much of my mahi involves Kapiti Island which is such a taonga.”
Paying for a license would be impossible, she said.
“I don’t make a lot of money from my art, I do it as a creative person who has to express myself...I’m also a wedding and baby photographer and every single one of my clients has wanted a photo of them on the beach with the island in the background.”
Raumati gallery owner Julian Denton said many of his artists were concerned at the proposal.
“They’re angry and they have no intention to pay, or to stop painting the island. All this is going to do is drive them underground and create an illegal market of island art.”
Gavin Jenks, a semi-professional painter, agreed with Denton.
“I do a painting of the island almost every day and that’s not going to change.”
While his job as a fleet manager for a mid-sized company paid the bills, his art provided an important income for his family of three.
“We depend on that, it’s the difference between not going out for brunch on the weekends. This move won’t just hurt artists, it will hurt local businesses as well.”
Jenks had started a petition to oppose the plans and said it was important all Kapiti residents signed up.
“If we don’t do something now, what are they going to do next? Ban paintings of pukekos?”
Jenks’ petition can be found at the below link.
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