Nine prominent artists launch online exhibition in staunch opposition to fast-track mine

We are delighted to have the support of nine wonderful artists who have gifted artworks to an exhibition to support the mahi Sustainable Tarras does. Under the banner of “No Go Bendigo” (which we think has a great ring to it), they have today launched an online exhibition of their works. 100% of the proceeds go to Sustainable Tarras to fight the fast-tracked mine. Link to the exhibition is in the comments below. Please share with your networks.

Here’s the media release that went out today.

MEDIA RELEASE – Tuesday 30th September 2025

Nine prominent artists launch online exhibition in staunch opposition to fast-track mine

Nine well-established New Zealand artists have gifted works to raise funds in opposition to the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine in Central Otago. The artists – all strongly opposed to the open pit mine – have come together under the banner “No-Go-Bendigo”, and are offering 100% of the funds raised towards fighting the fast tracked mine.

Between them, the artists are offering 20 separate works for sale, on a first-come, first-served basis. The artworks are being sold at their market price, with the online exhibition expected to raise over $35,000 for Sustainable Tarras.

All of the artists involved have strong connections with Central Otago and have spent formative time in the district. All have been deeply affected by the majesty and singular character of the region—as the statements on the exhibition website underline. They all wanted to make a strong stand.

The artists who have contributed are Bruce Foster, Dick Frizzell, Elizabeth Thomson, Eric Schusser, Euan Macleod, Grahame Sydney, Gregory O’Brien, Jenna Packer and Nigel Brown. The works they have gifted for sale can be seen at https://nogobendigo.substack.com/ 

Exhibition organiser Gregory O’Brien, said that the group of artists from all over the country was highly motivated to help. “The proposed desecration of a heritage area for purely monetary gain is an outrage to all of us, as it is to the citizens of Central Otago and to all New Zealanders.” He said that the initial group of nine artists have already heard from other artists enthusiastic to help “during the next round”.

“Painters, photographers, writers, film-makers, choreographers and other arts practitioners from within Central Otago and further afield are incensed at the churlishness of both the mining consortium and the Government’s ruinous ‘Fast Track’ (aka ‘Highway to Hell’) legislation. The environmental cost of such a cold-blooded, extractive exercise is simply too high, as is the social impact and down-stream legacy.”

Suze Keith, Chair of Sustainable Tarras, says that support from the arts sector is superb, and much appreciated. “We’re thrilled that these nine artists have stepped forward and gifted such incredible pieces of artwork. The proceeds from the exhibition will go directly to funding expert reports and legal fees to fight the fast track mine. We’re going to need all the help we can get – this is really David versus Goliath.”

“We’ve been delighted with messages of support from around New Zealand. People are clearly shocked about what’s planned and how the community is being cut out, despite repeated requests for information and involvement. Now to have these talented and well known artists contribute to the cause in this way when we need it most is superb.”

Mr O’Brien says that this is just the first tranche of support from the art sector. “There will be a lot more art made in opposition to the fast-track Bendigo-Ophir mine,” he said. “We’ve already got plenty of others lined up wanting to help in the same way.”

“This is just the beginning.”

[Ends]

To view the exhibition and buy artworks please visit the online exhibition platform here.