Iconic Gore Gold Guitar Statue Seeks New Owner on Trade Me

• Six-metre-high guitar, symbol of NZ Gold Guitar Awards, listed for sale by local collector.
• Owner Frank hopes the guitar finds a new home, but will keep it if unsold.
• Guitar originally designed by Errol Allison has historic ties to Gore’s country music scene.

A six-metre-high guitar statue, once a symbol of Gore’s renowned New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, is up for sale on Trade Me. The owner, known only as Frank, is looking for someone who will appreciate and take care of the historic piece.

The guitar, crafted by local artist Errol Allison, was once a prominent feature in Gore’s Main Street before being relocated to the Longford Tavern. Frank, who purchased the guitar five years ago, remembers its place in the town during the famed country music competition.

While Frank has cherished the guitar as part of his collection, he admits it no longer fits in with his other memorabilia. He acknowledges that someone else might value it more than he does, noting that collectors often see themselves as caretakers of such items.

The guitar, which comes with its own trailer, has been listed online for $1500. Despite receiving no bids by the auction’s close, Frank is determined to find a new owner, even if it means relisting it. Although he’s open to selling it to anyone, Frank is reluctant to let it go to the organisers of the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, as they previously decided against keeping it.

For Frank, the decision to sell is about finding the right caretaker, someone who will appreciate the guitar’s history and significance. If no buyer emerges, Frank is prepared to keep the guitar, albeit uncertain of its future role in his collection.