Four New Zealand artists have transformed the humble pet bowl into a collection of one-of-a-kind ceramic artworks, launching a new charity auction to raise funds for the SPCA.
Created by Otis Frizzell, FLOX, Evie Kemp and Wundaire, the Bowls for Better collection includes a Day of the Dead-inspired skull, a flower-covered sundial and a colourful sculptural chair complete with its own matching bowl. More collectible art than everyday petware, each creation will be individually auctioned on Trade Me from 11 – 21 November, giving Kiwis the chance to own something extraordinary while supporting animals in need.
The collaboration marks 10 years of partnership between SPCA and Purina, which has donated more than one million kilograms of pet food to help nourish vulnerable cats and dogs in SPCA care.
The pet bowl was chosen as design inspiration for its significance in an animalʼs recovery. For those arriving at SPCA frightened, malnourished or unwell, a full bowl of nutritious food can be an important first step towards rebuilding strength, restoring health and preparing for a loving home. SPCA CEO, Todd Westwood, says the collection celebrates the importance of this simple but critical act of care.
“Good nutrition is essential to helping animals recover, grow stronger and build trust again. Purinaʼs strong support over the past 10 years has helped us provide that care consistently to hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs.
“Bowls for Better turns something as simple as a pet bowl into an opportunity for New Zealanders to help give more animals a second chance at the life they deserve.”
For artist Otis Frizzell, whose cats have all come through SPCA, the project is personal.
“Every cat weʼve had has come through SPCA, and theyʼve all had big personalities and absolutely no doubt about who runs the house.”
“Our latest, Aggie, went from being found under an agapanthus bush to making herself very much at home with us. So getting to create a wild Day of the Dead-inspired bowl that would go on to give back to the people who helped her was an easy yes.”
Over the past decade, SPCA has cared for more than 366,000 animals, including 289,565 cats and dogs. The team behind Purina has supported with food donations to help meet a significant daily need, allowing SPCA to direct more resources towards treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming.
Purina is also marking the 10-year partnership with a donation of $40,000 to the SPCA.
Stephanie Pritchett, Head of Marketing, Nestlé Purina New Zealand, says the campaign celebrates the difference a decade of working together can make.
“A bowl of food might seem like a small thing, but for an animal in need it can be the beginning of something much bigger. We’re incredibly proud to have supported SPCA with nutritious food for the past 10 years.”
“Bowls for Better is a chance to celebrate that milestone, showcase some incredible Kiwi creativity and help SPCA care for the animals who need them next.”
How to get your paws on a bowl
The four artworks will be auctioned through the SPCA Ponsonby Boutique’s Trade Me page from Wednesday 11 November to Saturday 21 November 2026, with proceeds supporting SPCA’s work.
New Zealanders who want to contribute without bidding can also make a donation through fixed-price Buy Now listings on the same Trade Me page. All four creations will be on display in the SPCA Ponsonby Boutique window at 27 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, throughout the auction.
Explore the collection, place a bid or donate via TradeMe here.
Meet the Bowls for Better collection
Cuenco Mascota
Otis Frizzell
Drawing on his distinctive Lucky Taco aesthetic, Otis has created a bold day-of-the-dead inspired sculptural skull with an open top forming the bowl. A playful, unconventional take on the everyday pet essential.
Besties
FLOX (Hayley King)
Inspired by an unlikely friendship between her Miniature Pinscher, Taco, and the neighbour’s cat, Eros, FLOX brings the pair together among native kōwhai and mānuka flowers in her signature stencil style.
Sculptural chair and matching bowl
Evie Kemp
Known for her colourful, maximalist designs, Evie has created a playful, pet-sized sculptural chair and matching bowl in collaboration with Wundaire’s Felicity Donaldson, celebrating the softer moments that come with pet ownership.
Floral sundial
Wundaire (Felicity Donaldson)
Inspired by her rescue cat Molly, who follows the sun around their Greytown garden, Felicity has created a flower-covered sculptural sundial featuring a protea and daisy, celebrating the contented life Molly now enjoys.
