Lindauerovi

Consul General Hana Flanderová, together with Ambassador Jana Tyrer and Honorary Consul General in Auckland Mr. Gregory Shanahan had the pleasure to take part in the event. The celebrations of this significant anniversary of the “national artist of New Zealand” undoubtedly ranked among the highlights of this year’s New Zealand cultural scene. Lindauer is one of the country’s best-known artists, who, during his long residence in Woodville, documented its history and culture. His works, of immeasurable value, form part of the national cultural heritage.

The main part of the weekend celebrations took place at the Rinatawa Gallery in Woodville, where the local historical society has prepared an extensive permanent exhibition of replicas of Gottfried Lindauer’s works. On the occasion of the celebrations, the society also refurbished a replica of Lindauer’s studio, originally opened in 2017. Following a welcome ceremony by Māori elders, speeches were delivered by the Mayor of the district, Scott Gilmore, and Ambassador Jana Tyrer. As part of her address, the Ambassador also read a message from Roman Musil, Director of the Gallery of West Bohemia in Pilsen (note: in 2015, as part of the European Capital of Culture project, the gallery organized an exhibition of works by the Pilsen-born G. Lindauer—historically the first exhibition of original paintings by the artist held outside New Zealand). Peter Lindauer, the 92-year-old grandson of G. Lindauer, also spoke at the official opening (with nearly all living descendants of the Lindauer family in attendance). After the ceremonial proceedings, a commemorative tree was planted in a local park, followed in the evening by a formal dinner.

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the commemorative events continued at the local cemetery where G. Lindauer is buried. The Ambassador, together with the Mayor of the district, laid wreaths at Lindauer’s grave and unveiled a table and bench provided by the Woodville Historical Society. A tree was also planted here to mark the anniversary. Before the conclusion of the weekend’s celebrations, a seminar on the life and work of G. Lindauer was held at the gallery, led by experts from the Auckland Art Gallery.

Everybody´s welcome to visit the RINTAWA gallery in Woodville !!