The Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is back for 2025, once again uniting the region’s finest winemakers and artists in an unforgettable celebration of creativity, community, and generosity. The Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is thrilled to announce semi-abstract landscape artist Joe Helmore as the 2025 feature artist.
Alongside an exceptional lineup of unique wine lots donated by Hawke’s Bay’s top winemakers, an exclusive artwork by Helmore will be auctioned to raise money for Cranford Hospice. Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction General Manager Sam Kershaw expressed excitement about September’s legendary event.
“We feel incredibly honoured to have Joe as our 2025 feature artist. As well as raising funds for Cranford, the auction is all about celebrating the very best of Hawke’s Bay and what we produce. Joe’s work beautifully captures the landscapes of Hawke’s Bay and the magic of this place we’re lucky enough to call home.”
Helmore continues a cherished family tradition—his grandmother, acclaimed artist Deidre Helmore, was the auction’s feature artist in 1997. Nearly three decades later, Joe follows in her footsteps, bringing his own artistic vision to this year’s event.
“To once again receive such a generous donation from the Helmore family is truly special,” said Kershaw.
Born in Hawke’s Bay and now based in Queensland, Australia, Joe has been painting full-time since 2015. He is known for his evocative semi-abstract landscapes, particularly his ongoing Cape Kidnappers series, which seeks to capture the region’s unique light, identity, and sense of belonging. His works are held in private collections across New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the USA, and Denmark.
“It’s a real privilege to be invited to contribute to such an important event in the Hawke’s Bay community, and it’s a lovely feeling to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to give back to the region and support Cranford Hospice,” said Helmore.
The unveiling of Helmore’s artwork will take place at a special event in July. Every dollar raised at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is donated to Cranford Hospice, supporting their mission to provide palliative care services at no cost to patients, families, and wh?nau throughout the region.