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Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
The online edition of Te Papa Foundation’s annual fundraising event, this year’s auction is our biggest yet. From vintage underwater cameras to artworks and after-hours dinner parties, there’s something for everyone.
10.00am 28 Aug to 8.04pm 10 Sep
Online
Auction items valued from $150 to $13,000
The Te Papa Foundation has gathered an incredible array of items for our biggest digital auction yet.
Proudly hosted by Webb’s, auction items range from a year’s supply of Fix and Fogg peanut butter, to a private piano concert in your own home, or a safety mask that was worn during the preservation of the colossal squid.
With twice the number of auction items as last year, this year’s Te Papa Foundation Digital Auction has something for every budget and taste.
A luxury escape to Wharekauhau Country Estate
A weekend retreat in Queen Charlotte Sound
An after-hours dinner party for ten in Toi Art galleries, hosted by an art curator
A back-of-house tour of the natural history collection by marine science experts
Vintage underwater cameras and pressure masks used in the preservation of the colossal squid
A decorative metal kete by Anna Gedson (Ngāti Rua, Whakatōhea)
A high-quality print of Leo Bensemann by Rita Angus
A personalised poem by multi-award-winning poet and author Kate Camp
A wet or dry float, rejuvenating sauna, and ice bath session at O-Studio
A family pass to Hobbiton Movie Set
A year’s supply of Whittaker’s Chocolate
Plus artworks, experiences, and unique Te Papa treasures!
The full range of auction listings will be available to browse and bid on from Thursday 28 August until Wednesday 10 September.
In addition to the online auction, a special Live Auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences will be available to attendees of the Te Papa Foundation Gala. Join us for an evening at the museum on Saturday 6 September for a chance to take home:
Sake & sushi with Dick Frizzell at Ebizu
An art-themed high tea at Te Papa with Sir Ashley Bloomfield
A VIP experience of the summer blockbuster exhibition at Te Papa.
All auction items have been generously donated by amazing organisations and individuals from across the motu, with all proceeds directly supporting the work of Te Papa Foundation.
All proceeds from the Gala and the digital auction support the Te Papa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the museum. All funds raised by the Foundation are channelled into exhibitions, research, and education programmes, ensuring Te Papa continues to thrive for generations to come. You can help by:
Bidding at the live auction or participating in the digital auction
Sharing the auction link on your social channels
Forwarding event information to your friends and whānau
Supporting the incredibly generous companies and individuals across Aotearoa New Zealand who have donated auction items and supported this year’s Te Papa Foundation Gala and Digital Auction.
Photo courtesy of Wharekauhau Lodge
Every year, Te Papa needs to raise $38+ million over and above its core funding. The Te Papa Foundation Gala brings together Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading supporters of arts and culture for a black-tie fundraising evening in the heart of our much-loved national museum.
Sat 6 Sep 2025, 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
Every year, Te Papa needs to raise around $30 million over and above its core funding. You can help our national museum to thrive by making a contribution – every gift counts.
The annual giving programme starts at just $10 a week and offers access to exciting benefits designed to bring you closer to the museum, its collections and community.
