Charity the big winner at auction

SOLD: Bidding wars were fought in the name of charity last night in Hastings. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

The wallets were out as Bay residents bid on some rare and expensive items last night, including an All Blacks jersey and French flag signed by the players from the 2011 World Cup final.

It was all part of the Property Brokers Relay for Life Charity Auction, held last night at

the Hawke's Bay Opera House's atrium to help raise funds for cancer victims and their families.

This year 49 items were sold off by auctioneer Paul Whitaker from 57 Hawke's Bay businesses and people.

The rugby signatures from New Zealand's historic 8-7 triumph over France went for $850.

However, another interesting auction item was a VIP tour of Parliament and dinner for two at Bellamy's Restaurant with Napier's Labour MP Stuart Nash. The date with the newly elected politician was sold for $350.

Hawke's Bay Cancer Society manager Trudy Kirk said the Property Brokers sponsorship of the auction, now in its 10th year, has been "hugely significant and highly valued".

In the nine years before last nights event more than $200,000 had been raised by bidders, all of which went to supporting the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society.

She said $600,000 was needed every year for the society to continue their endless work in the community.

This years Relay for Life has already signed up more than 90 teams, an increase on the previous two years.

During the past 11 years the Relay for Life has been staged, a total of $2.3 million has been raised.

A Cricket World Cup flavour was also dropped into the evening, with spot prizes given away to those catching a cricket ball in the crowd, while two tickets and accommodation in Parnell for the World Cup semifinal at Eden Park on March 24 went for $800.