A work of art by New Zealand artist Darryn George will be auctioned to support Kahu Youth with the cost of the fit-out of its new space at Paetara Aspiring Central.

‘Takuta #6’, a large format oil on canvas, will be auctioned at next month’s Forsyth Barr Winter Wonderland Ball.

The sold-out ball, which will both celebrate the 21st birthday of the Kahu Youth and help raise money for its youth centre fit-out, will feature a three-course meal, live music and an auction.

Kahu Youth operations director Anna Sutherland said the charity was grateful for the opportunity to auction ‘Takuta #6’, which she said was a “very special piece of art”.

Part of a series of works that have gone into important collections including Te Papa Tongarewa and Christchurch Art Gallery, the large scale oil-on-canvas work was painted by Darryn after the Christchurch earthquakes. 

Darryn said the works were created in a period of upheaval and uncertainty and they are designed to act as beacons of hope.

Members of the public can view the piece at Tussocks Homeware, where it is now on display.

“‘Takuta #6’ represents a powerful story of resilience and hope and is so beautifully aligned with the mission and values of Kāhu Youth,” Anna said.

“As well as acquiring a valuable piece of New Zealand art, the generosity of the final bidder will also be supporting the heart of our community and the hopes of our young people.”

All proceeds over the reserve will go towards the new Kahu Youth space and Darryn will donate a portion of the sales to the charity.

Kahu Youth volunteer manager Jo Lewis said a second artwork set to be auctioned at the ball, by local artist Anna Gordon, will also be put on display at Tussocks Homewares in the coming days.

She said Kahu Youth was fortunate to have secured a huge range of great items for the auction, which are slowly being shared on the organisation’s Facebook page as a “sneak peek”.

Live auction items will be open to bids from members of the public as well as ball-goers, and she encouraged members of the public to check out the Facebook page or its website to learn more and find information on how to register for the auction.

Jo thanked the sponsors, donors and Kahu Youth’s volunteer committee, who have helped make the fundraiser ball possible.

The fit-out of Kahu Youth’s new space began this month and it is due to be completed by the end of September.

It is the culmination of a years-long process to find a new home for the organisation after it was told in 2018 its lease for its former base, ‘The Crib’ on Russell Street, was coming to an end.

The organisation secured a space in new community facility Paetara Aspiring Central, which officially opened in October 2023, and the long-awaited fit-out will make the space fit-for-purpose for the busy local charity.

The Forsyth Barr Winter Wonderland Ball in association with Kahu Youth will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre on August 24.

PHOTO: Wānaka App