12 Mar 2018

Niue auctions off ukeleles to raise money for music lessons

7:33 am on 12 March 2018

Celebrity endorsed ukeleles are being auctioned off online before the Niue Ukelele Festival.

National events coordinator, Ola Jacobsen-Christian, said the auction had already attracted huge interest and was all part of ongoing efforts to attract more people to go to Niue.

Ukelele signed by former All Black coach Graham Henry

Ukelele signed by former All Black coach Graham Henry Photo: TradeMe

The ukuleles up for auction on Trade Me include ones signed and decorated by the New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford, former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry, and other personalities.

"We've also got featured ukeleles being auctioned by John Pule, one of our renowned artists who is now resident here on Niue," Ms Jacobsen-Christian said.

"Tommy Nee, one of our musical artists, who is also renowned in the musical sector in New Zealand.

"So we would like to welcome everyone to bid on those ukeleles and wonderful art pieces and you can see all the creativity those artists have put into it," she said.

Ms Jacobsen-Christian said all proceeds go towards purchasing ukeleles for students to use during school music lessons.

Ukelele decorated and signed by Niuean musician, Tommy Nee

Ukelele decorated and signed by Niuean musician, Tommy Nee Photo: TradeMe