Auckland Museum has apologised for lighting its building up in solidarity with Israel after backlash and a pro-Palestinian protest.
On Sunday, Auckland Museum lit up blue in white. In its first Instagram story, the museum said, "your museum is lit in blue and white in solidarity with Israel".
"Our thoughts go out to the many civilians impacted as a result of the terrorist attack a week ago today."
By sunset, about 100 pro-Palestinian supporters gathered outside the museum waving Palestine flags and chanting "free Palestine".
A "verbal confrontation" is said to have unfolded between Palestine supporters and a group of Israel supporters, who gathered at the foot of a hill below the museum, holding Israel flags.
A number of police officers responded to "maintain the peace", though there were no reports of injury, and no arrests were made.
Researcher Arama Rata called on the museum to issue a formal apology, saying it "is supposed to be a welcoming place for all members of our community".
"Their actions tonight have caused deep divisions for people who are already hurting."
On Monday afternoon Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum chief executive David Reeves issued an apology, acknowledging the "depth of feeling around our decision to light the museum on Sunday night"
"We wanted this to be an expression of hope for peace – our approach was wrong, and I personally apologise for the distress and hurt caused to members of our community."
Reeves said he is "carefully" reviewing and "reflecting" on all of the feedback the museum received since Sunday night.
"As a War Memorial Museum, we continue to hope for deeper understanding and a peaceful resolution to conflict."
