KEY POINTS:
This year's annual Auckland HomeShow has the broadest range of domestic goods on record - including Ruben Wiki's chest.
The Warriors' player's chest takes centre stage in the NakedArt stall. The "bronze" is made out of gypsum and detailed enough to show veins, scars, skin texture and the
faint outlines of tattoos.
NakedArt co-owner Shirley Cairns said making the chest was all a bit of fun. "Ruben only had to sit there for 20 minutes but I can now say I chopped Ruben Wiki's shorts off," she said.
The mounted chests are a limited edition and Wiki's signature is carved into the mould.
While the chest is certainly one of the most unusual items on display, the spacious event is full of exhibitions and would need half a day to get around.
Auckland couple Marilyn and Graeme Peterken, who have exhibited at the HomeShow for the past 16 years, returned for the first time as shoppers on Thursday. "There are some really good new ideas, but they have lost a bit of the outdoor flow that I liked," said Mrs Peterken. "There are great values, though, so much so Graeme said he wouldn't take me again."
Showing off
* What: Auckland Home Show.
* When: Today 10am-10pm, tomorrow 10am-6pm.
* Where: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane.
Something to interest everyone
Most unusual: NakedArt stand
The NakedArt stand features life-size moulds and sculptures of the human body - the most famous body being that of Ruben Wiki. Owners Brent and Shirley Cairns have their artwork in galleries throughout New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the US. Wiki's chest is available for $10,000, with much of that going to charities.
Best exhibition: Microsoft digital home
The digital home exhibition teaches the average Joe Bloggs how to incorporate new technologies into their home. The open-plan "house" shows shoppers how easy it is for their television to become so much more.
Best eco-stand: Wishbone buildings
Found in the show's Floradell St, the exhibition launches the eco-friendly cabins for the first time. The cabins, which use ecologically sensitive materials, have been two years in the making. They have already been picked up for use at campsites, offices and even as meditation rooms. The cabins are sold for $25,000.
Twist on the boring: Spa2Go
With so many spas on display, one can be forgiven for getting bored with the smell of chlorine. However, the Spa2Go was an interesting twist to the old and tired. The Spa2Gos can be taken anywhere there is a power point and inflated in 10 minutes. They can also be hired. The spas are selling for $1699.
