In a market defined by volatility and rapid value shifts, maintaining current insurance valuations is essential for safeguarding your collection, providing peace-of-mind should the unexpected occur.

Using industry-standard methodology, our insurance valuations are based on the cost, including GST, to either replace an item with a similar item or the cost to have that item manufactured (Retail Replacement Value). This process factors in scarcity, provenance, condition, and market demand—ensuring collections are neither underinsured nor overexposed.

As part of New Zealand’s leading auction house Webb’s, our Valuation Department is particularly well placed to access historical sales records and provide a streamlined and reputable valuation.

Webb’s offers discreet and professional support during times of bereavement, providing fair market value assessments for estate division and probate. These valuations are essential for:

• Executors and solicitors managing estate assets

• Equitable distribution among beneficiaries

• Legal and tax compliance

Our team works closely with legal professionals to ensure all documentation meets probate and financial reporting standards.
Estate Division Valuations are essential when family assets are to be divided or sold following a bereavement. Whether for probate purposes or the division of an estate, it is important that assets are valued accurately for fair and equitable division.

The basis for valuations for estate division is fair market price in the auction/secondary market, less vendor commission and sales costs. This approach ensures that all beneficiaries receive their proper share based on realistic and documented market values. As part of New Zealand’s leading auction house Webb’s, our Valuation Department is particularly well placed to access historical sales records and provide a streamlined and reputable valuation.

In the context of separation or divorce, Webb’s provides impartial valuations to support the fair division of jointly held art and collectibles. Our services include:

• Fair market assessments for matrimonial and family law purposes

• Expert witness testimony when required

• Collaboration with legal counsel to ensure robust documentation.

When relationships end, the fair division of jointly owned assets becomes a critical concern. Webb's provides stress-free, independent valuations for relationship property division that establish the fair market value of art and collectables.

Whether for matrimonial separation or the division of an estate, our valuations ensure that assets are valued accurately for fair and equitable division. We understand the sensitivity of these situations and provide discreet, professional service.

Our experts can also provide expert witness testimony when required for legal x`proceedings, working closely with family law practitioners to ensure proper documentation and valuation of art assets.

Webb’s is a trusted partner to museums, galleries, and public institutions across New Zealand. Our institutional valuations comply with:

•   NZ IAS 16 and Treasury accounting policies

• Governance and audit requirements

• Insurance and collection management needs

We offer detailed reporting, condition assessments, and market analysis to support financial and strategic decision-making.

Webb's has an extensive track record in complex, Crown-compliant valuations for some of the largest institutions, public galleries, and museums in New Zealand for the purpose of insurance and financial reporting.

This highly specialised service is carried out to comply with the valuation requirements of the New Zealand Equivalent to International Accounting Standard 16 (NZ IAS 16) and New Zealand Treasury accounting policies in relation to NZ IAS 16.

Our methodology — which offer comprehensive documentation, condition reporting, and detailed analysis — complies with these requirements, ensuring your institution meets all financial and governance reporting obligations.

In cases of damage or loss where no prior valuation exists, Webb’s can assist with retrospective assessments. Using archival documentation, photographs, and expert knowledge, we provide valuations that support insurance claims and recovery processes.

1. Initial Consultation: We assess your needs and recommend the appropriate valuation type.

2. Documentation Gathering: Our experts can either catalogue your items in-person, or work from previous documentation. Cataloguing brings together recent images, dimensions, condition, provenance, and other relevant details.

3. Research and Analysis: We conduct thorough research using our extensive database of auction results, private sales, and market trends, all while backed by the extensive knowledge from Webb’s Department experts.

4. Report Preparation: A detailed valuation report is compiled, including descriptions, images, and valuation figures.

5. Delivery and Archiving: Reports are delivered digitally, with printed copies available. All records are securely and confidentially stored for future reference. Our valuation reports are comprehensive documents that include detailed descriptions, reference images, detailed descriptions and valuation figures. These reports are designed to meet the requirements of insurance companies, legal proceedings, financial institutions, and personal record-keeping.