Auckland Art Gallery is preparing to receive one of the most significant bequests in its history – a collection of New Zealand art worth $5 million from local philanthropist Greg Moyle. However, the donor hopes the artwork won't be handed over for many years to come, as he plans to enjoy his collection for decades while he's still alive.
Greg Moyle, a financial advisor and Auckland Councillor, has built an impressive treasure trove of New Zealand 20th-century art over the past 50 years. His collection now contains approximately 2,000 pieces, and he wants to ensure the most important works find a permanent home at the gallery after his death. Moyle has pledged 20 significant pieces to the institution, including works by renowned New Zealand artists Rita Angus, Ralph Hotere, and John Pule.
Despite making this generous commitment, Moyle has no intention of parting with his collection anytime soon. "The bank has just extended me a 30-year loan on the farm, so they might have to wait a long time. But I don't see it as being morbid," Moyle explained. He emphasized that his decision stems from a desire to create certainty and prevent the collection from being broken up and sold after his death.
The philanthropist's approach reflects a thoughtful strategy known as a "promised gift," which serves multiple purposes. "It's about creating a level of certainty. I don't want these paintings to be broken up and sold," Moyle said. "The concept of a promised gift is not only letting my family know this is my intention, so there's not going to be a fight over who gets what, it's also giving some certainty to the gallery." He was careful to clarify that he didn't want to burden the museum with artwork it didn't want or need.
Julie Waite, a curator of New Zealand art at Auckland Art Gallery, expressed amazement at the scale and quality of Moyle's collection. However, she noted that arranging such a bequest isn't a straightforward transaction. "It's a very particular kind of partner dance," she explained. "It's a delicate conversation, and I think over time the number of works that were going to be part of the gift is actually growing. I think I was a bit tentative about the ask, but it's required a lot of discussion and thinking."
The gallery's approach has been strategic, focusing on building upon their existing holdings by identifying gaps in their collection. Waite and her team have worked closely with Moyle to determine which pieces would best complement what the gallery already owns, ensuring the donation would have maximum impact on their ability to tell the story of New Zealand art.
The resulting promised gift reads like a who's who of 20th-century New Zealand painting. In addition to works by Rita Angus, Ralph Hotere, and John Pule, the collection includes pieces by Louise Henderson, Frances Hodgkins, and Raymond McIntyre. These artists represent some of the most important voices in New Zealand's artistic heritage, making the donation particularly valuable for the gallery's mission.
The collection also features special lesser-known works that capture unique moments in New Zealand art history. Among these is work by Jacqueline Fahey, who painted vibrant, chaotic scenes of her family life during the 1970s. At the time, Fahey's decision to focus on domestic life within an artist's family was considered radical, as such subjects were not typically deemed worthy of fine art. These pieces provide important documentation of both artistic and social history.
Moyle's commitment represents more than just a financial contribution to the gallery; it ensures that significant works of New Zealand art will remain accessible to the public for future generations. While the exact timeline for the donation remains uncertain, the promised gift provides both the gallery and Moyle's family with clear expectations about the collection's future. The arrangement allows Moyle to continue enjoying his life's work while guaranteeing that these important cultural artifacts will eventually find a permanent home where they can be properly preserved and displayed for public benefit.
