Visitors attend a preview for the Beijing Council auction. Photo: Courtesy of Ge Shiheng

 An online art auction organized by Chinese businesses and artists in New Zealand has successfully raised thousands of dollars for China's fight against COVID-19, community leaders told the Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday.

The innovative online art show and auction was launched at the Auckland International Gallery from March 1 with the aim to raise funds for China amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sixty-eight art pieces were sold in the auction, raising NZ$ 34,238 ($24,914.99). 

The money will be donated to medical institutions in China, particularly Wuhan, to fight against the novel coronavirus.

The online auction is just one among the many events that are part of the New Zealand Chinese community's rally to help fight against the novel coronavirus in China.

Since January, the Chinese community in New Zealand has put forward many activities, including online fundraising pages and donation campaigns.