It is a brilliant concept ...
An individual contributes $5 a week for four years to the Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment project, which amounts to a little over $1000.
Have a thousand people to do the same, and there you have it - $1 million in the kitty.
This is the rationale behind the 1000 STARS fundraising scheme to preserve a beloved building and support one of New Zealand's major art institutions.
A lot of money remains to be raised, even with the Government's support, and in addition to major philanthropic and corporate supporters, the 1000 STARS initiative provides an opportunity for people to contribute small sums over time to make a major collective contribution to our national heritage and have their support and commitment publicly acknowledged.
Gita Brooke was an early STAR sign-up. Gita has devoted much of her life to promoting peace and, with her late husband Anthony, was co-founder of the Peace Through Unity non-government body, www.peacethroughunity.info
Encouraging others to become a STAR, she writes: "I cannot remember a time when Anthony and I and the work to which we are committed have not in some way connected with the aims and vision of the Sarjeant Gallery.
"The gallery staff offered advice and support throughout the creation of Handspan and has through the years hosted several 'Peace Through Unity' events.
"In my view, the Sarjeant's greatest service and most enduring gift to the local, national - as well as global - community is its commitment to provide a space dedicated to encourage the human creative spirit with focus on widening and enhancing our vision through the arts.
"The gallery forms an important part of the international network through which all aspects of the arts and culture from any part of the world, past and present, is displayed, and through which public lectures and educational activities are continuously informing and nurturing our appreciation and understanding of one another.
"There was never a time in human history when the urge to express and communicate through the arts didn't play a crucial role in our life's journey: the struggle to survive, the mayhem of war, the hopelessness of poverty, the agony of loss, as well as the enduring beauty of relationships, courage of spirit and wonder of life ...
"The redeveloped Sarjeant Gallery will be able to increase its educational programmes, display and preserve its internationally recognised collection and enhance its co-operation with the local/global community.
"It is up to us and future generations to honour the gallery founder's faith in and gift to the town - 'For the inspiration of ourselves and those who come after us'."