Art+Object is proudly supporting The Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari Gala Dinner & Art Auction - Mauri of the Maunga, which will raise funds to support the conservation of New Zealand’s unique wildlife through the restoration work of New Zealand's largest fenced sanctuary.

In mid 2022, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari hosted an inaugural Gala Dinner to assist in funding a modification to the Xcluder® pest-proof fence, to be a barrier to the climbing abilities of flightless kākāpō. Completion of this enabled the arrival of kākāpō to Maungatautari in July 2023 in partnership with Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation's Kākāpō Recovery Programme. This marked the first time kākāpō had lived on mainland New Zealand in close to 40 years.

To keep highly intelligent and curious kākāpō safe inside the sanctuary takes a dedicated team, exceptional monitoring, innovative thinking, exploration of new technologies and strong partnerships. This year's gala is focusing on funding some of the bigger challenges, such as boundary vegetation trimming, daily monitoring and being forever vigilant of the integrity of the fence. The work has only just begun!

The Kākāpō Art Auction 2024 is curated by Kate Darrow, who has extensive experience in the visual arts in Aotearoa, working with a wide network of artists and galleries. Kate is a great champion of the kākāpō project and Maungatautari, and for the 2024 event she has brought together a group of distinguished artists from across Aotearoa who support this great manu and the mahi to protect them.

The group of artists who have contributed work for this auction are drawn together because of their immense talent, their standing in the art world and the collectability of their work. However, most importantly because of the kaupapa of their art practice. Each speaking in unique ways to our environment, our forests and birds and the great need for protection and understanding. The artworks brought together celebrate the splendor of the natural world yet caution the need for its protection and understanding the threats that loom over it.

The ticket purchases and art auction proceeds will go towards the ongoing conservation mahi on the maunga.

For more information on the event: https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/support/special-events