Auction set to boost Labour

Campaigning in Wairarapa in the lead-up to September's general election has moved up a notch, with Labour candidate Kieran McAnulty's campaign funds soon to be boosted by a combined dinner and auction.

In a move reminiscent of United States senatorial campaigns, Wairarapa Labour is organising the $70 a ticket food, wine, art and music night in combination with a panel discussion and an auction of goods and services, ranging in value from $20 to $1000.

The event is to be held on July 26 at the Carterton Events Centre, kicking off with a glass of complimentary wine followed by a three-course meal of authentic French cuisine prepared by Cafe Mirabelle, of Carterton.

The panel discussion will be on the topic "Bringing Jobs and Growth to Wairarapa" and will involve Labour's primary industries spokesman Damien O'Connor, economic development spokesman Grant Robertson, Bob Francis of Wairarapa Development Group and Helen Kelly, president of the Council of Trade Unions.

Stefan Brown will provide live music.

Highlights of the auction include:

A house concert by Barry Saunders of the Warratahs, singers of Kiwi classics Hands on My Heart, Rescue Me and Maureen, estimated value $1000 (no reserve)

A classic artwork from the 1999 stigma series of award-winning artist Graham Fletcher, enamel on aluminium, estimated value $500-$1000 (reserve: TBC)

A piece titled Budget Protest Auckland 2012 by potter/painter Paul Melser. Retail value $900 (reserve $450)

A Chinese imperial silk carpet in mint condition and never been walked on, estimated value $750 (reserve $500)

A framed serigraph (print) on paper (limited edition of 50) by David Schluss, an Israeli-born artist, now living in the United States (reserve $350)

Venice (2009) a framed print on heavy paper (one of an edition of 400) by Michael Logan of Southern California. depicting the lagoon, gondalas and St Mark's Square in Venice, estimated value $350 (reserve $250)

A lead crystal glass lorikeet by Martinborough-based glass art duo Jim Dennison and Leanne Williams, similar pieces retail in galleries for $500 (reserve TBC)

A ceramic eel sculpture by Masterton sculptor Samuel Ludden, retail value $500 (reserve $300)

Premium wine from Nga Waka vineyard donated by Martinborough Wine Centre, two bottles of 2012 pinot noir and a bottle of 2011 riesling (no reserve).

Expected to be a sought-after collector's item is an authentic election campaign badge, circa 1935, the year the first Labour government was elected under the leadership of Michael Joseph Savage.