Te Papa X Webb's—Auction & Partnership Announcement

Article

7 Aug

Webb’s is honoured to partner with Aotearoa’s foremost, national cultural institution, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for two auctions: an online one from 28.08.25—10.09.25 and a live fundraising auction at their annual gala event on Saturday 6 September

Wellington’s premier black-tie fundraising evening, the Te Papa Foundation Gala, brings together Aotearoa New Zealand’s foremost supporters of arts and culture — and Webb’s is proud to lead a pre-event online auction and a live auction of luxury items, travel and culinary experiences, original artworks, tours and much more with proceeds going directly to support the Museum’s invaluable work.

Formal gala event with live orchestra in a hall featuring a large arched window labeled "Wellington" and "O Tōneke."

The two organisations share a long-standing collaborative relationship, including a significant financial donation by Webb’s in 2022 that enabled Te Papa to acquire specialist preservation equipment (a stereo-microscope and advanced camera gear). This was followed by a successful auction in November 2024 featuring artworks, luxury items, and unique travel experiences — all generously donated. The proceeds from this auction helped fund world-class research, safeguard the national collection, and support inclusive programmes that ensure greater access to Te Papa for all New Zealanders.

“Lending our expertise to public organisations is about actively contributing to the cultural landscape of Aotearoa,” said Webb’s Managing Director Paul Evans. “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.”

Webb’s is a committed partner in New Zealand’s creative ecosystem. Through enduring relationships with public and not-for-profit institutions, we contribute to the future of the arts via strategic partnerships, pro bono auctions, exhibitions, and cultural advisory work.

We have and continue to work alongside organisations such as: the IHC, which supports artists with intellectual disabilities; Te Uru, West Auckland’s leading regional gallery; and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Supporting the sector is a fundamental part of our mission — a tangible investment in the people, institutions, and stories that enrich life in Aotearoa. Together with Te Papa and other organisations, we’re helping ensure that the taonga and artists that define us are not only preserved but championed for generations to come.

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