The quintessential and popular annual auction for Hospice Taranaki is continuing to break records.
Last year the major fundraising event for the region’s much valued but cash-strapped hospice gathered in more money than ever before. More than 200 items went up for auction pulling in $32,000. And the year before the record was set for a single item when a sought-after Swiss mechanical musical box went under the hammer for $3500.
This year the annual auction will again be staged at the spacious Hobson Room at The Devon Hotel on Sunday June 29.
Hospice Retail Group Manager Jessica Sinclair and Appraiser Tom Philipson who together run the well-oiled event, promise an interesting selection of antiques and collectibles for the auction. Fashions and trends have changed over the years and people now want special items for their homes.
“It is a great opportunity to choose individual pieces that are going to decorate your home, add character and warmth and often will be quite unique. You can’t get these items from a chain store!” Tom points out.
Most pieces have been handed in at hospice’s warehouse where eagle-eyed sorters spot the treasures which are then set aside for the auction.
There is an excellent treasure trove of jewellery, including a heavy 18kt gold necklace, Victorian brooches, and even a gold half sovereign in this year’s line-up.
“There are exquisite pieces this year. Jewellery is timeless. It never goes out of fashion,” says Jessica. “Gold is pretty hot at the moment.”
Other quirky items include a cannon ball, found in a Taranaki paddock and believed to date back to the Taranaki wars in the 1860s.
“One particularly interesting piece is a scrimshaw carved skull decorated with mermaids.” It was probably carved by a sailor on a sailing ship. Scrimshaw is a form of primitive carving or etching on ivory or a whale’s tooth. In this case it is believed to be a cow’s skull. “It is a really cool item.”
There’s a colourful fabric Rupert the Bear and annuals, and a modern Stief Teddybear. There will be a nice selection of Chinese and Japanese ceramics and decorative glass. Collectibles include folk art, books, small bespoke furniture, Crown Lynn and other New Zealand pottery.
A great selection of art includes Michael Smither’s original sketch of a cat and an early limited-edition print of Mt Taranaki. Also, a very nice early Bernard Aris painting of Mount Taranaki.
Tom estimates the Hospice auctions have raised close to a million dollars over the years. It’s an impressive figure—yet it’s just a portion of the $5 million needed annually to continue providing hospice care, free of charge, to anyone who needs it.
“It first started back in 2007 when we just had a catalogue, not like it is now,” Tom says. Today they produce a slick and professional online catalogue available to be viewed online at www.hospicetaranaki.org.nz. On the day, attendees can head into The Devon from 10am to view the items. The auction starts at midday. Absentee bids will be accepted prior to the auction and on the day.
Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki has been incredibly fortunate to have had Peter McDonald as the auctioneer over the years, and while he’s unable to join us this time, we’re delighted to welcome Murray Quinn from Quinns Auctions in Hāwera to take the podium.
To see Auction Lot photo’s and to download the catalogue – click on this link
HospiceShop Antiques & Collectibles Auction
Sunday 29th June 2025
The Devon Hotel
Viewing from 10am – auction commences at noon
