WEEKEND PREVIEWS: 'Pine Tree' guest star at auction

PEOPLE in the Western Bay of Plenty will have the chance to meet one of New Zealand's greatest All Blacks at a fundraising event in Papamoa tonight.
Sir Colin Meads will speak at the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club Charity Auction during the surf club's major fundraising event of the year. Having someone of such high calibre speak at the event was "an honour", event organiser Trudi White said.
"This is definitely a highlight for us. We haven't had anyone like him visit us before."
Sir Colin will be accompanied by radio host Grayson Ottaway from Classic Hits, who will MC. The event will include a main auction and a silent auction, run by Grant Childs from Eves Reality.
Mrs White said a range of "top quality" goods were up for grabs, including international holidays, kayaks and shopping vouchers.
"We've had some amazing items donated that are worth quite a bit of money," she said. "We have to thank the sponsors too, they've just been incredible."
Items going under the hammer ranged in price from $40 to $5000, so there was something to suit everyone's budget, Mrs White said. All funds raised in the charity auction would be redistributed back to the surf club. Mrs White said these funds were imperative to the club.
"This money is very important to the club because it is untagged," she said.
"Unlike grants, which have to go towards new equipment, we are able to use this money as cash to pay for wages."
Every summer, members of the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club patrol the beach to ensure revellers are safe in the water. Without these people, safe practices would not be enforced. To maintain this service, Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club must raise thousands of dollars, which go towards ongoing operating costs. This is the first time the club has hosted a charity auction and Mrs White was optimistic the event would raise enough to gave an impact on the fundraising account.
She said the club relied on the efforts of paid staff and a large number of dedicated volunteers.
Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club is Tauranga's youngest and fastest-growing surf club, with a membership of about 650, expected to reach 1000 in the next few years.
So head along to the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club tonight and celebrate its major fundraising event of the year. You can help make a positive difference in the community.
Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased from Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club (07 542 2122) or phone Trudi White on 021 201 3253.
WHEN AND WHERE
What: Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club Charity Auction
Where: Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club
When: Tonight
Time: 6.30-11.30pm
Cost: $50