Te Papa Foundation Gala

Join us for an inspiring evening in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s much-loved national museum.

Presented by Courtney Johnston, Chief Executive of Te Papa and Master of Ceremonies, David Downs, CEO of NZ Story.

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, discover new favourites in the Toi Art galleries, savour an exquisite three-course dinner* paired with premium local wines, bid in our live charity auction, and then dance away the evening to live performances from acclaimed local musicians, including Ainslie Allen and Lisa Tomlins. 

Live Auction highlights 

Thanks to Webb’s, the Te Papa Foundation Gala will feature a special live auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including: 

• Green Sees Things in Waves (2025) a sculptural artwork by acclaimed New Zealand artist Elizabeth Thomson, valued at $30,000

• Sake & sushi with Dick Frizzell at Ebisu – An intimate dining experience with one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists 

• An art-themed high tea at Te Papa with Sir Ashley Bloomfield – Eat Your Art Out with New Zealand’s former Director-General of Health 

• A luxury escape to Hulbert House Boutique Lodge in Queenstown – Experience world-class hospitality in New Zealand’s adventure capital 

• Two nights in Christchurch at The George, and $500 to spend at Untouched World – Luxury accommodation paired with sustainable New Zealand fashion

• A private VIP experience of the summer blockbuster exhibition at Te Papa – Be among the first to experience Te Papa’s next major exhibition

• A luxury escape to Wharekauhau Country Estate

• A back-of-house tour of the natural history collection by marine science experts

• An after-hours dinner party for ten in Toi Art galleries, hosted by an art curator.

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. 

Can’t make it? Check out our Digital Auction 

Our digital auction will be hosted by Webb's from 28 August to 10 September.

Auction items range from a Rita Angus print or a year’s supply of Fix and Fogg peanut butter to a safety mask that was worn during the preservation of the colossal squid.

Find out about the Digital Auction

Supporting Te Papa’s Future 

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 

* Curious about the menu? This evening’s exquisite three-course dinner includes a range of delicious canapés, an entrée of Southward Gin Cured Salmon featuring Aoraki Salmon Caviar, followed by your choice of Pure South chargrilled eye fillet or grilled free-range chicken supreme, concluding with a chef’s choice petit dessert station. Vegetarian options available on request.  

Watch Tumu Whakarae Courtney Johnson and Te Papa Foundation Chair Aaron Hape talk about why suppporting The Foundation is important:

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