A record price has been paid for an artwork by a living New Zealand artist at an auction in Auckland last night.
Michael Smither's Sea Wall and Kingfisher 1967 sold for $342,000 at the International Art Centre.
Auction director Richard Thomson said the painting - of a sea wall built to protect part of the Taranaki coastline - was significant.
"Smither was very concerned about conservation and protection of the environment and the inclusion of a gliding kotare (kingfisher) in the painting reflects that. It really is quite a spectacular work."
