Story: Divorce and separation

Split down the middle

Split down the middle

Division of matrimonial property provoked debate, angst, resentment and sometimes jokes. In 'Matrimonial Properties Act 4' Christchurch printmaker Denise Copland highlighted the difficulty of equal sharing, showing a household’s possessions split neatly down the middle – everything, from television to flowers, included.

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Christchurch Art Gallery - Te Puna o Waiwhetu
Reference: 90/49
Woodcut by Denise Copland

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Divorce and separation - Maintenance and the division of property', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/29841/split-down-the-middle (accessed 7 May 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 8 Nov 2018