Honorary Plunket member and father Ben Hudson, who came up with the idea of asking artists and celebrities to give without commission simple works suitable for a fridge door, said yesterday the committee was "stoked" with the grand total, which was raised from the live, silent and "buy now" auctions of 141 pieces.
"It's exceeded everyone's expectations," Mr Hudson said.
About 40 Plunket members and supporters enjoyed the live auction of 31 illustrations, jewellery and a book, marshalled by Arrowtown auctioneer Bruce Patton, in the Queenstown gallery.
A mixed media work by award-winning painter Hope Gibbons, of Matakana, called Fluidity, went for the highest bid of $410.
A signed sketch of the Beehive by Prime Minister John Key raised $250.
Bidding was brisk for Kiwiana style limited edition prints by artists Jason Kelly and Otis Frizzell and Mike Weston.
Mr Hudson said the upgrade would be actioned immediately.
It was hoped the auction would become a biennial event, he said.
