Exported VC different from Upham's

The Government is confident of keeping in New Zealand the Victoria Cross and bar Charles Upham won despite approving the transfer of a VC won during the New Zealand Wars to an English collector three years ago.

In 2002, the Englishman bought the Victoria Cross won by Lieutenant Arthur Pickard during the November 1863 assault on Rangiriri Pa, near Te Kauwhata. The anonymous buyer paid around $190,000 for the medal auctioned by Dunbar Sloane of Wellington.

An application to export the medal was later approved by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Heritage operations manager Brodie Stubbs said special circumstances surrounded the Pickard medal which did not apply to the Upham VC and bar.

"We would seek expert opinion, but [a request to sell overseas] the Upham medal based on experience almost certainly would be denied."

Mr Stubbs said Lieutenant Pickard, who was British, was awarded the medal in England, and it remained there until sold to a New Zealand collector, Daryl Hicks.

The Antiquities Act requires permission from the ministry before any antiquity or artefact can leave New Zealand temporarily or permanently.

Mr Stubbs said the legislation prevented the release of the Upham medal to overseas collectors.

"We have to have regard for the item's national or local importance, spiritual or emotional association, rarity, and determine whether it is in the public interest.

"The medal ticks all the boxes for the requirements for the act where the chief executive for the ministry must refuse permission."

Speculation around the future of the Upham VC and bar came to light last week when the Weekend Herald reported that the Government had turned down a request for $3.3 million by Captain Upham's daughter, Virginia Mackenzie, to purchase the medal.

The Government's decision has been criticised by the country's largest trader in military medals, Tom Taylor-Young, owner of New Zealand Collector Services based in Christchurch.

Mr Taylor-Young said the Upham VC and bar was probably the most valuable war medal in the world and could command more than $3.5 million on the international market.

"The Government has turned down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In 10 years' time that medal will be worth millions more."

He said the legislation in effect allowed the Government to fix prices.

The medal can be sold only here and Mr Taylor-Young doubts there is anyone with the money required.

"I think you would be lucky to get a million dollars."