For years, he’s been referred to only as “the prominent businessman” - granted name suppression while on trial for the indecent assault of three men over a 15-year period.

But with his name suppression order finally running out of steam - Sir James Wallace’s offending is now public.

Arts philanthropist 

Wallace’s reach and impact on the creative sector in Aotearoa are nothing short of immense. 

He is perhaps best known for his personal collection of art work that became the Wallace Arts Trust, with over 9,500 works across all mediums now part of the collection. 

Wallace also instigated the Wallace Arts Awards in 1992, the longest surviving, largest and richest annual art awards of their kind in New Zealand. With a particular interest in supporting emerging artists, many funds and grants have been awarded by Wallace and the Trust over many years.

Making his money in agribusiness as Chairman and Managing Director of The Wallace Corporation and Chairman of The Wallace Group, the Rich Lister has been estimated to be worth as much as $165 million in recent years.

Video company Wallace Productions also took his name. Wallace has multiple Executive Producer credits to his name, including the highest-grossing local film ever at the NZ Box Office Hunt for the Wilderpeople and the Rose Matefeo comedy Baby Done.

Among his many positions across virtually every genre - Wallace was the founding underwriter of the Auckland Chamber Orchestra and founding patron of the Auckland Theatre Company, NZ Opera, NZ Ballet, and was a patron of Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra - as well as serving on the NZ Film Commission.

He was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the arts in 2011 - but that honour, along with many of his other titles must now be under threat.

The trial 

The 4-and-a-half-week trial concluded in 2021 - with Wallace being found guilty on three counts of indecent assault and two other charges of attempting to dissuade a witness.

His sentence of two years and four months was delayed as Wallace appealed, allowed to stay in his lavish Auckland residence while appealing his convictions - but he finally began to serve his sentence at Mout Eden Prison in February of this year.

All three incidents happened at Wallace’s home.

The first complainant claimed that after a dinner to discuss a charity deal in 2001, Wallace asked him if he wanted to cuddle and when he left the building, Wallace stuck his hands down his trousers and grabbed his genitals before he broke free.

 The second complainant said Wallace groped his bottom and kissed him on the neck while showing him around his house in 2008.

In 2016, the third complainant was staying at Wallace’s house hit with a dose of food poisoning.

The man said Wallace entered his room naked and suggested they go back to his bedroom, and later in the night, Wallace got into bed with him and started touching his penis and body. The man said he tried to fight off the man and managed to flee to another room.

Wallace was charged with indecent assault in February 2017 but there were several failed or stalled attempts to hear the case before it finally reached its conclusion in March 2021.

The reason for the delay was the emergence of accusations to attempt bribing the third complaint to drop the charges - with Wallace’s business manager (still protected by name suppression) and entertainer Mika X also linked to the attempt to obstruct the course of justice.

Mika X was sentenced to home detention.

The consequences

While this is a major revelation to some, for so many within the arts - it’s been the worst-kept secret for years.

Those who suffered from Wallace’s actions will still need ongoing support and should be the first priority.

But removing the Wallace stamp from the creative sector will take time.  He has hidden behind name suppression for years, with his presence in the arts world not abating despite the allegations which became convictions.

This day has been a long time coming for many people - how the sector reacts from here will be crucial.

If you or someone you know would like more information or need support, below are a list of helpful and official resources:

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

1737, need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time. 

Changing Minds | For better mental health in New Zealand

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or text 4357