A Wellington recycling store is selling off a huge Helen Clark portrait found dumped in the city's tip - and the former Prime Minister has some thoughts about what should be done with the sale proceeds.
The 2.4 metre tall portrait was found at the tip by Wellington City Council resource recovery officer Ray Manuel on Wednesday.
Mr Manuel saw it in the tip and "fished it out because it looked like good plywood" according to resource recovery manger Roderick Boys.
Once he realised it was a Helen Clark portrait, the team decided to auction it off on Trade Me through recycling store Second Treasures.
Mr Boys says Ms Clark wanted the proceeds of the auction to be donated to Women's Refuge - and the council has accepted her suggestion.
The huge portrait has had thousands of views since it was uploaded on Friday afternoon, with hundreds adding the auction to their watchlist.
It's described as "weathered, dusty and chipped around the edges".
It has a $1 reserve and the auction closes on Sunday evening.
Mr Boys says he has "no idea what it's worth," and there is a theory that the painting was made for a protest action.
However, it's all a bit of a mystery as the painting has no signature or date on it.
A Women's Refuge spokesperson told Newshub: "We're absolutely delighted to be chosen by the Wellington City council and Helen Clark to receive the proceeds for the sale of this painting."
"Helen Clark has always been someone we admire; for her leadership and tireless championing for women's rights and equality. The proceeds of this auction will allow us to continue to support the 40,000 women and children who need our help every year."
Newshub.
