He's a billionaire, for a day

Tim Horne (left) with Rachel Hunter and Sir Michael Hill next to his ship. Photo / Jason Dorday

Surreal is the only word Wellington man Tim Horne could summon to describe having lunch with Rachel Hunter and dinner with Richard Branson this week.

The business development manager won a Father's Day competition run by Paper Plus to be a "Billionaire for a Day". He dined with the Virgin billionaire and had lunch with Hunter on Sir Michael Hill's yacht yesterday.

Horne was at Branson's table at the Sir Richard Branson Live in Auckland gala dinner to raise money for Outward Bound on Thursday. He said Sir Richard had a nice personality and was humble and modest.

Horne also won return flights to Auckland, one night at the Langham Hotel, a chauffeur-driven Porsche Panamera for a day, a clothing makeover and a spa treatment.

Hunter was almost as excited about the lunch cruise. "It's obviously a beautiful yacht," she said. "There's nothing like Auckland Harbour."

She has been in Auckland for two weeks. Her children by Rod Stewart, Liam, 17, and Renee, 19, were not with her.

"Liam's playing hockey and Renee's dancing," the proud mum said. "They're doing amazing."

Hunter is based in Washington state, where Liam plays ice hockey for the Spokane Chiefs.

Horne first met Hunter at the Thursday dinner and was delighted to see her again on the four-hour lunch cruise.

"She's the girl who lives next door who's made it big."

He was going to take back photos and newspaper clippings to show his colleagues and children back in Wellington. "I'm the envy of many people."