Piece of NZ history – what should UNICEF do with it?

We’ve been lucky enough here at UNICEF NZ to have been gifted a silver-framed portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie.

The portrait was presented in 1942 to Sir William Jordan, the then NZ High Commissioner in London, in recognition of Sir William’s support for Ethiopia after it was invaded by Italy in October 1935. New Zealand was one of a small number of countries that did not recognise Italian sovereignty over Ethiopia.

The framed photograph was recently gifted to the UNICEF NZ as a way of raising funds to support UNICEF’s life-saving work with children in developing countries.

We would like to gauge opinion from Kiwis on what to do with this valuable piece of NZ history.

Various parties have expressed a wish to buy the portrait, from Rasta collectives to private collectors, and leads are being followed in regard to public areas such as Te Papa and the Halls of Parliament.

We’re keen to hear from interested parties or if you’ve an opinion on what should be done with the portrait. Leave us a comment, or contact us.