Art Thieves
Our speaker this week was Judge Arthur (‘Art’) Tompkins, whose most impressive CV can be found on our website.
In addition to his duties as a lawyer and judge, Art has become an expert in the specialised field of Art Crime, about which he lectures widely, and studies further, especially in Europe.
It is an interesting and romantic subject. The theft or looting of artistic treasures goes back to the dawn of civilisation. In recent times it has involved colourful artifacts and even more colourful thieves. One such was the notorious Adam Worth, who was the model for Sherlock Holmes’ archenemy, Dr Moriarty.
Because art thieves tend to focus on the most valuable artworks, they often target high profile aristocratic owners, or the very rich. Other thefts are from galleries and museums, where the security measures are often slack, and far from what one sees in the movies.
Art Tompkins took us through the ‘Museum of the Missing’- works that have been stolen and never recovered. Some may have been destroyed.
The market for valuable artworks in opaque. The rich may not wish to admit to owning art, nor to admit when they have been stolen.
In Art’s opinion, artworks are stolen, not because they can be on-sold, but because they can be ransomed, usually to the insurer, or used as collateral for criminal loans. He doubts there are rich connoisseurs with stupendous secret collections.
Art is an accomplished speaker whose presentation was lavishly illustrated, and much appreciated by our members.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.6% Yes
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31.8% Maybe?
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26.6% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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