These dark and beautifully realised paintings did very well in last month's art sales in Auckland.  The Asian, an oil on board from 2013 sold at International Art Centre for $34,000.  An earlier work from 2004, Dear John (St John the Baptist) sold at Art + Object as part of the Peter James Smith Collection on May 31st for $26,000.  It was estimated at $6,000-10,000.  Heather is represented by Jonathan Smart Gallery, Trish Clark Gallery, Page Blackie Gallery and Nadene Milne. 

An excellent show has started on Maori Television presented by Dame Anne Salmond, "telling tremendous stories about our Aotearoa".  Watch on Monday nights at 8.30 or On Demand through the Maori TV website here.

​Karl Maughan 
Rhododendron & Ponga
Oil on canvas 
198 x 244 cm
Signed & dated 2005 verso
est. $35,000 - 45,000

This work sold at International Art Centre last night for $82,500.  This beats the current auction record price of $42,500 for a smaller work at Art + Object's sale of the Annie Coney collection in July 2017.

The Southland Times reports that it will cost $20 million for the Southland Museum building to come up to earthquake code, so it has been decided to close its doors. It is expected that it will find temporary exhibition space and storage facilities. It will look to retain 13 of the 41 staff members, and the tuatara will stay in the building.  The taniko inspired triangular roof was built in 1990 over existing older buildings. ​The Southland Times article is here. 

In November 2016 the Rotorua Bath House Museum was closed after suffering earthquake damage to its 100 year old building. Article by Stuff here.  It is likely to be closed for at least two years.