Kiwi artists Shane Hansen and Flox auction artworks to help beat bowel cancer

Auckland artist Shane Hansen is auctioning his artwork Shanvis '56, to raise money for bowel cancer patients like his own sister. Photo/Supplied

A portrait depicting Elvis with a ta moko is something Auckland artist Shane Hansen can live without - a hard decision but it's all for a good cause.

This month, to raise money for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, well-known Kiwis are encouraging people to get rid of the one thing they can live without - by selling it on Trade Me.

More than 1200 New Zealanders die from bowel cancer every year, making it one thing we could live without.

Hansen, who led the design of New Zealand's uniform for the Rio Olympics, and stencil artist Hayley King aka Flox, are helping beat bowel cancer by auctioning off artworks.

For Hansen, the decision to give up a much-loved piece was a personal one.

"I lost my grandfather to bowel cancer and watched my sister go through the trauma of having the illness and receiving lifesaving surgery," he said.

Shanvis '56 is a collectable piece that combines Hansen's love of music with his Maori culture.

"I recently thought 'that's one piece I could live without'. He [Elvis] has been staring at me for the past seven years."

Hansen said he wanted to help raise awareness and money so people like his sister can receive support from Bowel Cancer New Zealand as they battle the deadly disease.

"I am proud to have been asked to support this cause and help fight our frightening bowel cancer statistic."

Artist Hayley King aka Flox has put her screen print Journey to Kororareka on Trade Me to raise money for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Photo/Supplied

Flox is auctioning off a limited edition, framed screen print for the cause.

She hoped that her involvement would help raise awareness about New Zealand's rates of bowel cancer that are among the highest in the world.

"As an artist you like to try and use your artwork and your passion to help causes such as this."

When asked why Journey to Kororareka is something she can live without, Flox said she loves seeing her artwork "go to people that really adore it and can't wait to hang it in their own spaces".

Other well-known Kiwis supporting the campaign by offering their own items for the public to bid on include fashion influencer Samuel Levi and wellness and lifestyle blogger Elora Harre.

More than 3000 Kiwis are diagnosed with bowel cancer yearly. If caught early, 75 per cent of these cases can be cured, according to Bowel Cancer New Zealand.

Proceeds from the auctions will be used to fund more early-symptom education and raise awareness of symptoms, to increase the survival rates of Kiwis.

Bowel Cancer New Zealand executive officer Rebekah Heal said people can auction anything from an item of clothing to a piece of art, jewellery or autographed memorabilia.

"Everyone has that one thing they can live without, something big or small."

Auctions are set to go live from the beginning of June, with all proceeds going directly to Bowel Cancer New Zealand.

To find out how to get involved go to www.livewithout.co.nz