Raglan artist Sam Mathers has teamed up with Red Bull to create a one-of-a-kind surfboard artwork during the recent World Surf League event in Raglan, with all proceeds from the auction supporting Wings for Life, a global foundation funding spinal cord research.
Painted live in the Red Bull Athlete Zone throughout the WSL event from 15–25 May, the board celebrates Raglan’s iconic surf culture while helping raise funds for a cause close to the surfing community.
Born and raised in Raglan, Mathers is internationally recognised for his bold, abstract works inspired by the people, landscapes and culture of New Zealand’s west coast. His latest piece combines local stories, surfing heritage and the mission of Wings for Life through vibrant colour, layered imagery and symbolic detail.
The mixed-media surfboard features references to spinal injury research, a Red Bull motif, and nods to Raglan’s world-famous left-hand break at Manu Bay, including the phrase “I’m going left today”. Local landmarks such as Jump Rock sit alongside playful pop culture references and the distinctive textures that have become a hallmark of Mathers’ work.
“I like to think of my work as a visual diary,” says Mathers. “This piece was about capturing the energy of Raglan during WSL while also creating something that connects people to a bigger purpose through Wings for Life.”
The artwork is now being auctioned on Trade Me, with bidding open from Tuesday 2 June until 8pm on 11 June 2026.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to Wings for Life, which funds cutting-edge research and clinical studies aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
Auction: www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/art/nz-artists/listing/5965622693
