The Gore district is located in Southland at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand. It has a population of around 13279. It is a beautiful part of the country and if you are interested in the arts and fashion then there is a surprising amount on offer to keep you interested.
Gore might be a small district, but it is lucky to have a fantastic Art Gallery. The Eastern Southland Gallery features two permanent collections of national and international note.
The John Money Collection This is a large collection of African, Australian and American works of art. It was gifted to the Gallery in 2003 by Dr John Money - a New Zealand expatriate living in Boston. The collection was amassed over a period of 50 years. It is a truly wonderful collection and includes works by Rita Angus, Theo Schoon and Lowell Nesbitt as well as many fantastic African carvings and carvings and paintings from Elcho Island.
The Ralph Hotere Gallery The Gallery houses one of the largest collections of works by Ralph Hotere in the country.
In addition to these great permanent exhibitions, the Eastern Southland Gallery also hosts other touring exhibitions, performances and workshops.
Peugeot Hokonui Fashion Awards
In 2008 the Peugeot Hokonui Fashion Awards celebrated their 20 th year. They are the longest running Fashion Awards of their type in New Zealand and are a key event in the national fashion calendar. They are held in July each year and are well worth a look. The awards attract judges of the calibre of Karen Walker, Nic Blanchet, Francis Hooper (of "World"), Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester, Tanya Crlson, Liz Findley (Zambessi), Margi Robertson (NOMD).
The Annual New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards is held in Gore every June. The town's population of around 10000 swells by thousands at this time as Country Music enthusiasts from all over come to see New Zealand's top performers compete. These awards have been held in Gore for the last 35 years and are a great event if Country Music is your thing!
So, when planning your holiday in New Zealand, make sure you include the deep south in your travel plans and be sure to stop in Gore!
