Abbeyfield WBOP: Leaders’ artwork under the hammer

Christopher Luxon's artwork had a National flavour.

A love of the classic Kiwi sausage roll was the inspiration behind Chris Hipkins’ “doodle art” for Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty.

The Labour leader’s preference for pastry has been widely publicised — he even received a sausage roll birthday cake for his birthday last year.

So it was fitting he picked his favourite sausage roll recipe when asked by Abbeyfield WBOP to create an artwork for auction.

Hipkins’ artwork was the ingredients to a good sausage roll ... 500g good sausages, one small onion, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce and 450g flaky puff pastry.

Chris Hipkins' inspiration for his artwork was his lifetime love of the sausage roll.

Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon also contributed. His artwork appears to be himself on his 50cc scooter with a “National ‘23″ flag on the back. Luxon this year revealed he drove a scooter for the odd errand.

Two years ago Jacinda Ardern’s doodle art/quote “Have a cup of tea and a lie down” sold for $1400, says fundraising team leader Natasja de Graaf.

It is hoped the two Chrises’ authentic pieces will generate the same sort of selling price. A certificate of authenticity will be included.

The Trade Me auctions started this month at $500 and did not sell the first time around. They are relisted until October 26 — as of October 24 there were no bids.

Abbeyfield WBOP is raising money to build a house in Katikati for 14 residents over 65. It has undergone a diverse range of fundraising projects in the past few years including many online art auctions from local and national artists.

Natasja says when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the fundraising team had to diversify their efforts with online art auctions. Many donated artworks have come from Katikati and Ōmokoroa art groups.

Abbeyfield WBOP has a site in Wills Rd, Katikati, and plans have been designed for the affordable accommodation for residents with modest or no assets under the Abbeyfield New Zealand umbrella. This will be the first to be built in Katikati.

INFO: Trade Me auctions see https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/search?member_listing=8027034&bof=9idYkNxQ