Te Papa Foundation unveils its biggest-ever fundraising auctions
From Sir Ashley Bloomfield high tea and vintage Colossal Squid masks to quirky museum treasures, Te Papa Foundation has unveiled the most extensive fundraising auction in its history.
Running from 28 August to 10 September and hosted by Webb’s, the auction supports Te Papa Foundation’s Annual Gala which takes place on Saturday 6 September. Combined, the Digital Auction (61 lots) and Live Auction at the Gala (13 lots) offer an unprecedented 74 lots – the largest collection ever assembled for the annual fundraising event.
Aaron Hape, Chair of Te Papa Foundation acknowledges the impact of such a prestigious auction.
“Te Papa is recognised as one of the best museums in the world, and this is your chance to back a winner.
“This year’s auction is the biggest we’ve ever staged, with more than 70 extraordinary lots on offer. From rare artworks to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every bid helps ensure Te Papa continues to inspire, educate, and welcome visitors from across New Zealand and the globe.
“We’re calling on New Zealanders everywhere to get behind this moment and help us make it our most successful fundraiser yet.”
The Digital Auction showcases an eclectic mix of experiences, artworks, and unique Te Papa treasures. Highlights include a stunning Hei Tiki by internationally recognised carver Tim Steel (Ngāi Tahu), a weekend retreat in Queen Charlotte Sound, and vintage underwater cameras and pressure masks actually used in the preservation of Te Papa’s famous colossal squid – offering bidders a genuine piece of natural history preservation in action.
Art lovers can bid on a high-quality print of Leo Bensemann by Rita Angus and a decorative metal kete by Anna Gedson (Ngāti Rua, Whakatōhea), while those seeking personalised treasures might choose a custom poem by award-winning poet Kate Camp, or a tour of the museum’s jewellery collection by Te Papa Chief Executive Courtney Johnston.
Meanwhile, the live auction at the Te Papa Foundation Gala will feature premium experiences and artworks. The hero lot is Green Sees Things in Waves (2025), a sculptural artwork by acclaimed New Zealand artist Elizabeth Thomson, valued at $30,000.
Other coveted experiences include an art-themed high tea with Sir Ashley Bloomfield, sake and sushi with celebrated artist Dick Frizzell at Ebisu, luxury escapes to Hulbert House in Queenstown, and Wharekauhau Country Estate, and an intimate after-hours dinner party for ten in Te Papa’s Toi Art galleries hosted by an art curator.
Both auctions provide opportunities for supporters nationwide to contribute to Te Papa’s mission. The Live Auction will be live-streamed by Webb’s, allowing bidders to participate whether they’re attending the gala or joining from home, while the Digital Auction runs from 28 August to 10 September.
All auction items have been generously donated by amazing organisations and individuals from across the motu, with all proceeds directly supporting Te Papa Foundation’s vital work funding exhibitions, research, and education programmes that ensure Te Papa continues to thrive for generations to come.
Paul Evans, Webb’s Managing Director says, “Lending our expertise to public organisations is about actively contributing to the cultural landscape of Aotearoa. We’re proud to stand alongside the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in celebrating, protecting, and preserving the taonga that shape our national identity.”
Event Details:
Te Papa Foundation Digital Auction: 28 August–10 September 2025, hosted by Webb’s.
Te Papa Foundation Gala: Saturday 6 September 2025, 6:30pm–11:30pm, Te Papa Museum. Tickets cost $300 per person or $3000 for a table of ten.
Te Papa Foundation Live Auction: Saturday 6 September 2025, 9.00pm, live-stream hosted by Webb’s.
By the numbers
Total visits 2024/25: 1,044,088
Visitor satisfaction: 97% of visitors satisfied
High rating: 70% rate Te Papa as 9 or 10 out of 10
Government funding: $44 million annually
Required earnings: $38+ million annually from commercial activities, partnerships and philanthropy.
ENDS
Media contact Gillian Monahan | 022 000 7627 | gillian.monahan@tepapa.govt.nz
Photos and captions
Please note that this content is being supplied to you for the purposes of the Te Papa Foundation auction press release only. Media may not crop, alter, or edit the images in any way without Te Papa’s prior permission. The content must be fully attributed as per the provided credit line(s).
Image captions
Elizabeth Thomson: Green Sees Things in Waves (2025), James Blackie Gallery.
Hei Tiki by Tim Steel (Ngāi Tahu).
Dick Frizzel, James Blackie Gallery. Image credit: Webb's.
About Te Papa Foundation
Te Papa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum. Donations to the Foundation help to enable world-leading research, important preservation work on the national art collection, and wrap-around programmes that provide people from all walks of life greater access to the taonga cared for by Te Papa. The Foundation plays a crucial role in helping Te Papa raise the $38+ million required annually over and above its core government funding.
About Te Papa
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, known as Te Papa, is Aotearoa New Zealand’s much-loved national museum, located in Wellington.
Te Papa houses the national art collection and major research facility, and is kaitiaki (guardian) of over two million objects across Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), Natural History, Art, New Zealand Histories, and Pacific Cultures. Its online collection offers access to over 1 million of these taonga (treasures).
Since opening in 1998, Te Papa has welcomed over 35 million visitors from around the world, and in July 2025, was recognised as TripAdvisor’s top tourist attraction in New Zealand and top 1% worldwide. Te Papa was also named the #1 attraction in New Zealand in 2024.
As one of New Zealand’s most well-known and trusted brands, it’s also world-renowned for its foundation in biculturalism, research partnerships, and internationally significant work in the repatriation of Māori and Moriori ancestral remains from collections worldwide.
The museum is free for all New Zealanders and delivers an exceptional experience to international visitors for the international entry fee of $35.
About Webb’s Auction House
Established in 1976, Webb's is New Zealand’s premier auction house. With nationwide premises, cutting-edge marketing, and a team of leading industry specialists, Webb’s achieves outstanding results across Art, Decorative & Asian Arts, Wines & Whiskies, Jewellery, Watches & Luxury Accessories, and Collectors’ Cars – while also providing valuations, private sales, and an annual exhibition calendar.
A proud supporter of the arts and charitable endeavours, Webb’s actively contributes to the cultural fabric of Aotearoa. For nearly five decades, this dedication has been matched by leadership at auction – setting, and continuing to set, many of the nation’s most significant artist records.