Top listings have Covid link
From a negative Covid-19 test in a bag of air, to a rock found on a lockdown stroll, and lunch with Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Trade Me’s top listings of 2020 all had links to the coronavirus pandemic.
Spokeswoman Millie Silvester said the auction site’s top listings often reflected current events and last year was no exception.
‘‘Obviously, much of 2020 was dominated by Covid-19 and so were our top auctions. All five of our most popular listings related to the pandemic in some way.’’
A Covid-free bag of air was the year’s most viewed auction, racking up more than 210,000 views.
After five days onsite, Silvester said Trade Me contacted the seller – a Hamilton student who celebrated his negative Covid result by breathing into a plastic bag and posting it on the site – and the listing was withdrawn.
In second place was a ‘‘leprechaun turd’’ found by a Christchurch father and son on a walk during level 4 lockdown.
The listing was viewed 157,275 times and the ‘‘turd’’ – otherwise known as a rock – sold for $274.
Taking out the third mostviewed spot was former All Black Dan Carter’s test jersey, listed to support his local rugby club, Southbridge, after Covid brought the season to a halt.
The fourth and fifth most popular auctions both featured Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
A superhero-themed sketch of Bloomfield and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern by artist Jason Hoyt took out fourth place, with 105,744 views and selling for $6350.
In fifth place, a Cancer Society fundraiser auction gave the top bidder a chance to have lunch with Bloomfield at Parliament.
The listing attracted 87,645 views and a top bid of $13,350.