Forget The Hobbit premiere: the ring's real action is taking place right here in the Bay.
Tauranga's glitterati are already preparing their tuxedos and gowns for the Carrus Lord of the Ring corporate charity boxing event on December 8 at TECT Arena. Co-promoter Andy Martin says he has been delighted with the response so far and the event looks set to raise thousands for Waipuna Hospice.
"The Lord of the Ring corporate boxing event really has become the talk of the town, which is brilliant and just what we hoped for," he says.
"People who are buying tables are thrilled to have a new black tie event on the calendar and all of the who's who in this town have bought tables."
There will be 11 corporate fights, including face-offs between the Bay's supermarket bosses, real estate agents, lawyers, media and Tauranga police. The Weekend Bay of Plenty Times' indulge magazine is sponsoring media consultant Deb Batkins, who is fighting against Heaven Boutique owner Jules Bourke.