The "Retooled" auction, hosted by the Red Cross, featured works from Otago Polytechnic school of design students.
The students had about a month to prepare for the auction, and the only stipulation was the final product needed to use material sourced from the Red Cross.
At least 28 separate items were auctioned while another 24 went on sale.
Steve King, of the Red Cross, said it was an opportunity for students to showcase creative flair, as well as find some use for previously discarded items.
"I think it's great to see what can be done with items that you would think are at the end of their life. So with a bit of thought and skill, you know, some really, really good quality items can be created."
Remaking old clothes proved popular among students this year, he said.
"The standard of some of the dressmaking was really high and really, really creative, especially the design component.
"There was a really lovely jacket and, some really nice garments, dresses, tops."
One of the items up for auction was a papier mache torso, fashioned from old newspapers and music books from the basement of the Red Cross building.
Artist Emily Gilbert, 19, said it took about a month to make.
"It was pretty hard work, because it's made of fabric and glue, so getting some of the shaping was quite difficult and time consuming.
She said she was inspired by Greek art and design and also wanted to celebrate the music of composers such as Chopin.
"We managed to transform discarded remnants into something human.
"I feel like I've gained some skills in how to work with my hands a bit more, and I like doing research into the old paintings and old sculptures."
She "purchased" the item for her grandmother, who was "really interested" in her work.
Mr King said the auction raised about $1700 for the Red Cross.
"It’s definitely something we would do again. It’s a big project for the students. I think the youth engagement and the collaborative aspect of it is as important as the fundraising."
