NZ Sculpture OnShore Raises Record Sum For Women’s Refuge NZ

Friends of Women’s Refuges Trust announces a record breaking $400,000 donation to NZ Women’s Refuge from the proceeds of the NZ Sculpture OnShore 2025 exhibition.

The biennial exhibition of over 130 outdoor sculptures created by more than 120 New Zealand artists is the biggest outdoor fundraising event for the charity, and the largest of its kind in the country.

Held at Operetu Fort Takapuna Auckland 8 – 23 November 2025, the event attracted 25,000 visitors – the biggest turnout in its 29-year history.

Since its inception in 1996, NZ Sculpture OnShore has raised more than $3 million dollars for Women’s Refuge NZ.

Friends of Women’s Refuges Trust chair Rachel Brebner says she is extremely grateful for the strong public turnout and the collective effort behind the 2025 exhibition which resulted in a donation that surpassed all expectations.

“This remarkable result reflects the dedication of our Trustees, Board, and a small but incredibly committed exhibition team, backed by 340 community volunteers who gave their time and energy so generously.”

“There was a real sense of purpose throughout. People understood the difference this would make and were motivated to do everything they could to support women and children experiencing family violence,” she says.

Visitors came from all over New Zealand to view the exhibition and more than 1,700 students explored the site as part of the Schools’ Tour programme.

The event also exhibited artworks from a record 21 Auckland schools in the Fort’s underground tunnels.

NZ Sculpture OnShore chair Paul Walsh says he is thrilled by the event’s record attendance and art sales at the 2025 exhibition, which have combined to deliver such a meaningful donation.

“Supporting the vital work of Women’s Refuge NZ is central to everything we do. We’re incredibly appreciative of the artists who contributed their work, and so grateful to our sponsors and patrons whose continued support makes this possible,” he says.

The $400,000 donation to NZ Women’s Refuge will continue to support women and children fleeing situations of domestic violence and abuse, including the provision of crisis accommodation for women and children, essential personal care items, and counselling and advocacy support.

Women’s Refuge NZ CEO Naomi Ogg (Ngāti Kauwhata) says she is inspired by the dedication and generosity of everyone involved in NZ Sculpture OnShore.

“The time and effort poured into this exhibition highlight a shared commitment to the cause.”

“Without this ongoing assistance, we couldn’t provide the level of care women and children experiencing family violence deserve,” she says. “Support like this helps make the journey to safety a little easier.”

The 2025 exhibition saw the introduction of the Women’s Refuge NZ Sculpture of Strength (SOS) Award, a recognition to honour artists whose work amplifies Women’s Refuge NZs values of safe homes, strong communities, and collective healing. Taranaki artist Daniel McKerrow was the inaugural winner for his three-metre-high sculpture Whakaruruhau depicting a wahine cloaked in flowing copper kākahu.

Waikato artist Blake Harnett won the Fisher Funds People's Choice Award 2025 for Balancing Act – a 4.2-metre-high sculpture in corten steel of a giant hand holding a ballerina; a contrasting work reflecting strength and vulnerability.

NZ has the highest rate of domestic violence in the OECD with one in three women experiencing some form of abuse across their lifetime. On average 14 women are killed every year by domestic violence; and a child is killed every five weeks by domestic violence in NZ. The rate of NZ Police family harm investigations has increased by more than 30% since 2018.

NZ Sculpture OnShore is grateful for the support of principal sponsor Fisher Funds and gold sponsors Hesketh Henry and Harcourts Cooper & Co.

The next event will be held in November 2027.

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