NZ influential contemporary painters Bill Hammond dead at 73

Renowned New Zealand artist Bill Hammond, whose strange, dream-like birds became one the the most recognisable images in New Zealand art, has died aged 73. The Lyttelton-based artist was considered one of New Zealand's most influential contemporary painters. His works often tackled social and environmental issues, with his love of music prominent in his paintings. Our producer Matthew Theunissen asked Auckland cultural critic Hamish Keith why he was such an important New Zealand artist.