NZ First leader Winston Peters was put under the hammer and auctioned off at the Ladies Charity Luncheon in Tauranga today, which raised more than $110,000 for two local charities.
Winston Peters was one of 30 'Bond Boys' auctioned off at the lunch, with women bidding for their services for the duration of the afternoon.
Mt Maunganui New World owner Sarah McBeath donated $600 to have Mr Peters take a seat at her table.
"I think he's witty and sophisticated. He's already entertaining the table - we haven't talked politics but we've covered horse riding, fashion and life in Tauranga," Ms McBeath said.
Mr Peters told Bay of Plenty Times reporters at the event that he got involved because "that's what people need to do in their community - help out where they can."
Though surrounded by 900 women at ASB Baypark, Mr Peters was not fazed.
"My mother always told me to be careful, be prepared and be alert and this always put me in good stead in my life. I will definitely be alert with 900 women around," he said.
When asked his opinion on the ongoing school bus issue with local government Mr Peters said he believed if Americans with their right-wing politics could have school buses for children then so could New Zealand.
"The Ministry of Education should fund more school buses. It's not safe to put school children on the bus with the public - if anything happens regional council are opening themselves up to lawsuits."
Mr Peters was asked who he thought would win the Tauranga seat in September's election but would not be drawn into speculating, saying only he thought there would be a lot of Tauranga residents supporting NZ First in their party vote.
Women all around were dressed to the nines but Mr Peters said everything he was wearing was from the Salvation Army.
Other Bond Boys included Will Johnston from the Hits Bay of Plenty who had two tables vying for his water pouring services, and Dan Shea from Mills Reef who was charging women $20 a pop to unbutton his shirt.
"It's just a bit of fun for charity, and I don't mind helping out where I can," said Mr Shea as women queued up to undress him.
The event had a star line-up of guest speakers.
Founder of Augustine fashion brand Kelly Coe, told of the juggle of running a top fashion line with bringing up three young daughters. She urged the audience to ditch the black and wear colour.
Founder of Motivate Me, Makaia Carr, told an inspiring tale of how she stopped "punishing" her body with a relentless regime of fitness training nine times a week and a rigid clean eating diet. Now 10kg heavier, she urged women to love their bodies.
Former The Bachelor contestant Kate Cameron was MC, and at 32 weeks pregnant told the audience she was expecting a daughter.
The inaugural lunch, with the theme "embrace, accept and celebrate' was organised by two local women, Wendy Robertson and Leona Smith, who said it was one of the largest gatherings of women at a single event in Tauranga.
Auctioneer Grant Child led the frenzied bidding for a premium selection of prizes, all donated by local businesses.
One of the most hotly contested items was a vasectomy operation, donated by Bay Urology, which had women standing on tables raising hands for the prize.
Other auction prizes included a girls' spa weekend including the use of a luxury Mercedes from Ingham Sears, lunch at Mount Maunganui's Hide Bar with Shortland Street actress Miriama Smith, a diamond pendant from David Peet jewellers, a Deadly Ponies handbag, Chaos and Harmony boots, and a Guns 'n Roses signed Fender guitar.
The lunch included an catwalk show sponsored by indulge magazine, showcasing latest drops from Augustine, Repertoire, Sisters & Co, Annah Stretton, Wallis and Bond & Co.
Clothes from each store were then auctioned off.
Local band 'Shy and Retiring' had women dancing the night away, with the Bond Boys becoming dance partners as well as champagne waiters.
Money raised at the Ladies Charity Luncheon auction will go to Hawaiki Rising Voyaging Trust and Tauranga Riding for the Disabled.
"Hawaiki Rising Voyages offer youth the chance to discover what is possible to achieve in their lives," said organiser Mrs Robertson.
Youth voyage for eight days on a waka, guided by an experienced team. They gain personal growth, increased confidence, courage, acceptance of cultural diversity and a greater understanding of New Zealand heritage.
The Tauranga RDA Therapy Centre provides opportunities for therapeutic riding, independence and increased self-esteem for people with mental, physical and cognitive difficulties.