Art collectors and 40 of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists have donated over 60 works to help raise funds for a new creative and performing arts centre currently under construction at Scots College in Miramar. Aloysius Teh is a parent at the school, an arts patron and the key driver behind this fundraising auction.

Name: Aloysius Teh
Age: 45
Occupation: Partner at Deloitte
specialising in risk advisory, business
improvement and assurance
Place I call home: Wellington
My passion is: Solving problems and improving how things work, and outside work – the visual arts; looking at paintings, reading art books and collecting art
My hero is: Bill Gates
If reincarnated I’d be: Leonardo Da Vinci and Christopher Columbus

What is your nationality and family background?
I’m a New Zealander. I arrived in Wellington in the early 1980s.  My wife Eileen and I have two children, Nicholas (7) and Jessica (4).  I was born in Malaysia and did my secondary schooling at Wellington College and went on to Victoria University where I completed my Commerce and Accountancy degree.  Dad was an accountant and mum worked for the Malaysian government. Apart from three years in London with Deloitte, I’ve lived in Wellington for 27 years.
What does being an enterprise risk services partner at Deloitte involve?
Two key things really. Firstly, being a team leader, coach and mentor to the people who work for and with me. Secondly, working with our clients to help them better manage risks to their success, and to improve and assure their business performance.  I’m passionate about getting things done right first time, applying new or innovative methods and helping those I work with excel in what they do.
How did your love of the visual arts and paintings develop?
I’ve always been quite good at representing ideas in pictures or diagrams, so that probably helps.  My mother likes to paint and make art, so who knows – perhaps there’s something in the genes also.  My passion for art has come from a lot of looking, talking, reading and collecting.  The more art I see, the more art I like but of course I don’t like everything.  The ideas and storytelling in the pictures are more important than the aesthetics, although there’s nothing wrong with having something that’s beautiful to look at.  Most of what I love comes from a lot of looking, talking to artists, “experts” and others with a good view to share.  It’s a heart thing rather than the head.
How does art enrich your live?
I’m constantly “discovering” new things about works bought many years ago and especially through the kids because they have an innocent and “truthful” eye.  So, there is an ongoing conversation about the art – the who, what, where and why, etc.  Talking to artists about their work, interest and direction also makes the art more real and interesting.  A good painting helps recall memories and people and places, and sometimes, a courageous decision or not, as the case may be.
Do you have a favourite art form
or artist?
Generally paintings (oils on canvas) although we own several objects and sculptures.  
Do you make art yourself?
No.  I draw images, pictures or diagrams in my work in the office.  Does that count?
Is art a good financial investment?
You should buy an art work you really like and expect to get at least, if not more pleasure value than the price you paid.  If fate happens to make the artist a superstar, then you’re in luck. If financial investment is your reason for getting involved you are likely to be disappointed.
Do you have any tips for anyone
wanting to collect art?
I’m not sure I’m qualified to give tips as it’s all pretty self learned.  My general advice is – see a lot of art, take your time, ask questions, read and then look again. It’s a long term affair.  Get to know the art and what you like.  If you have the “bug”, you’ll know it.
How did you become involved in the fundraiser for the new arts centre at Scots College?
I thought that organising an art auction would be a useful contribution I could make.  I was also especially interested in making a strong connection between learning and the real art world of New Zealand artists at the top of their game