An apple discovered in Nelson's Tasman Bay Fruit Packers packhouse in New Zealand has sold for NZ$1,000 at a charity auction.
The braeburn, which was discovered by apple grader Jessica Fitzgerald, was marked with a russeted map of New Zealand.
Prime minister John Key said that he was impressed by the 'remarkable natural depiction' of New Zealand, and subsequently encouraged Australians to join the bidding for the fruit, with proceeds going to children's poverty charity Kids Can Stand Tall.
'Graders see tens of thousands of apples a day, so to spot this shows the attention to quality in our industry,' said ENZA marketing manager Campbell Naish at the auction. 'A charity auction seemed like the best way to maximise the value of this true Kiwi fruit and I think NZ$1,000 for Kids Can Stand Tall is a tremendous effort.'
The apple was purchased by New Zealand-based entrepreneur and SafeKiwi escrow founder Mike Pero, who had already purchased a fejioa shaped like a kiwifruit earlier this year.
'When I saw it, I knew this would take pride of place in my growing collection,' said Mr Pero. 'And to be able to donate money to such a worthwhile charity in the process was brilliant.'
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