A piece of art made in support of earthquake-hit Christchurch by one of New Zealand's most notable contemporary artists is being auctioned to save the NG building.
The late Ralph Hotere gifted Hang in There Mate to the Madras St building's owners in 2013 with specific instructions that it be used to help save the building from demolition.
Its future is currently uncertain as it sits on land intended for the planned $473 million Canterbury multi-use arena.
The Crown is in the final stages of compulsory acquisition for land to begin the project.
However, the NG building's owners, Sharon Ng and Roland Logan, have obtained interim court orders to maintain ownership of the building and the matter is expected to be argued in the High Court on Thursday.
Fifty artists from around the country have contributed works with 40 per cent of the proceeds going towards the building and 60 per cent going back to the artists.
"It is important that we continue the building's legacy of supporting the arts by giving back to the participating artists as well as raising funds for our cause," a spokesperson for the save Ng Building committee said.
The auction will be held at the NG building on May 20 at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased here.
Registration for bidding will open from 10am on the day. Complimentary drinks and nibbles will be provided.
The building is the last of the Victorian and Edwardian style warehouses seen in Christchurch in the early 1900s.
It was one of the first buildings to reopen in the city after the earthquakes.
"Early this year, to the shock of the owners and tenants, new designs were released.
"The new plan stated abruptly that it required the building to be demolished, and the Crown began the process of compulsory acquisition of the NG building."
The spokesperson said they are not opposed to the construction of the stadium, they only want to save the building.
