Bringing each statue to life has been a true collaboration. We are deeply grateful to the remarkable businesses, organisations, and individuals who have stood with us on this creative journey.

As proud sponsors, our Wildlife Guardians have each played a vital role in shaping the design and creation of these sculptures, helping to transform the vision into reality. Their generosity and commitment has brought the campaign to life and it is their contribution that has meant that every statue now stands to inspire and help protect and preserve the precious taoka of our land and sea.

Each of the amazing artists you see here have committed their time and resources to ensuring the story of the hoiho is told, shared, and recognised for the critical call to action that it is. Their unique take on the hoiho, it’s journey, has culminated in a collection of ingenious art pieces with the sole purpose of raising awareness and funds for the protection of an iconic species. Learn more about the artists below and remeber to vote and donate for your favourite! The Art in Action Hoiho Statues will be auctioned at an exclusive event at Tūhura Otago Museum on 8 May 2026, so make sure you are following us to ensure your bid is counted!

We couldn’t have made this Art in Action campaign without the support of some pretty special partners, so special in fact, that in our eyes, they are heroes – Hoiho Heroes! Thank you to all our incredible Hoiho Heroes. Your contribution is invaluable to bringing this campaign to life.