The Fundraiser Art Auction held in Auckland last night to help
raise money towards the Court Appeal of imprisoned Tame Iti and
Rangi Kemara has raised close to $80,000.
One of the organisers of the event and Iti's eldest son Wairere
says "This is a fantastic result for something that was pulled
together in only 4 weeks."
The highest bid went to a work by Shane Cotton for $10,400 which
was bought by actor and art enthusiast Manu Bennett.
Art and Objects auctioneer James Parkinson commented on the bidding
"There was a great energy in the room and the bidding reflected how
people felt about the cause."
Early this morning Tame Iti released a statement from the prison by
phone "I am humbled and honoured by everyones generosity. If there
is one positive thing to come out of my situation it is that it has
unified people, and for that I am very happy."
