Webb’s Celebrates 50 Years as New Zealand’s Leading Auction House
Since its founding in 1976, Webb’s has stood as a meeting place between culture and commerce, connecting collectors with objects that define their era. As Webb’s approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, this landmark moment invites reflection on the artworks, objects, and stories that have shaped its legacy — and on the wider role our auctions play in recording the cultural history of a nation.
Founder Peter Webb auctioning an artwork by Rita Angus, photo by Marti Friedlander.
In 2026, Webb’s will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century as New Zealand’s premier multi-department auction house. Founded in 1976 by Peter Webb, a pioneering figure in the country’s art world, Webb’s was established with a vision to broaden access to art and collectables and to introduce a new, dynamic auction culture to Aotearoa. From its beginnings, Webb’s has played a defining role in shaping the nation’s secondary market, bringing together expertise, scholarship, and innovation across a wide range of collecting categories.
Webb’s Manukau Road, c. 2014
Webb’s Falcon Street Parnell, c. 2016
Over the past five decades, Webb’s has evolved into a trusted institution known for excellence in its respective departments: Art; Decorative Arts; Asian Art; Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles, & Automobilia; Fine Jewels, Watches, & Luxury Accessories; Fine Wines & Whiskies, The Estate, and Material Culture. Through record-setting auctions, landmark consignments, and an enduring commitment to curatorial rigour, Webb’s has united collectors with objects of outstanding beauty, rarity, and significance — locally and internationally. Central to this success has been Webb’s dedication to specialist knowledge, meticulous valuation, highly targeted marketing and meaningful engagement with New Zealand’s cultural community.
Art auctions continue to usher record breaking prices in New Zealand thanks in part to national touring exhibitions and permanent representation in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland
Webb’s Collectors' Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia launch events are unmissable highlights for automotive enthusiasts and investors
Culinary experiences have become a staple of some of our Fine Wines & Whiskies live auctions
To mark this significant anniversary, Webb’s will present a series of special initiatives throughout 2026, including publications, exhibitions, and educational programmes that reflect on our history and look toward the future.
“Auctions serve as cultural mirrors, reflecting a society’s evolving values, aesthetics, and ambitions. Across its 50-year history, Webb’s has borne witness to profound shifts and pendulum swings in collecting across all categories. Together, these movements trace the changing contours of taste, revealing what each era deems culturally significant, enduring, and investment-worthy. Our history as New Zealand’s leading auction house is indelibly tied to that of our nation’s creative history and cultural evolution,”
Caolán McAleer, Director of Marketing & Operations, Webb’s.
This anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of Webb’s role at the forefront of New Zealand’s art and wider secondary markets and an investment in the country’s cultural future.
We look forward to celebrating this anniversary together with the people who have helped us reach this exciting milestone.
Webb’s Fine Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories department’s meticulous attention to authentication and customer service remains unmatched in the local secondary market for luxury goods
Single owner Asian Art collection auctions at Webb’s set a new, national benchmark in 2025
Our Decorative Arts department continues to attract consignments and sales of international significance and design pedigree
Webb’s is currently seeking exceptional pieces, archival material, photographs, and personal stories connected to the auction house’s history. Together, these contributions will help tell the story of an auction house shaped by its people, its collections, and five decades of extraordinary moments. Should you have an object or anecdote you wish to share with us for consideration to this exhibition, please contact:
Caolán McAleer
Director of Marketing & Operations
caolan@webbs.co.nz
+64 27 929 5603