Iconic landmark Manaia watched over the week-long CollaboratioNZ at McGregors Bay, and embodied the spirit of the art event through to the closing auction.
A magnificent, carved sculpture of a guardian, or Manaia - incorporating ash, kauri, purpleheart, steel, paua and ceramics - drew the highest bid.
It was bought by a
Whangarei art collector for $10,000.
Nine artists worked on the Manaia, the carving led by 2009 New Zealand arts laureate Dr Lyonel Grant and Northland artists Bernard Makaore and Te Rangitu Netana.
The 3m-high work, which had stood on the stage all day, was among the last items on the block at Saturday's auction in Forum North.
Another big ticket item - bought by the Quarry Arts Centre Trust - was a large "standing circle" of ceramic orbs, the main input from Peter Hayes, one of Britain's best-known potters.
The clay used to make individual "stones" in the piece came from different locations in Whangarei.
The fruits of the week's work by 70 artists sold for a record $60,000.
Spokeswoman Shonah Scott said the creative camp had been one of the most successful yet. The goodwill and warm response, stunning artistic results and the large amount raised at the auction ensured there would be another CollaboratioNZ in two years, Ms Scott said. "We're really very grateful to the people of Whangarei for coming out to support this event."
