Cunliffe to attend Coffey fundraiser

FUNDRAISING: Opotiki-based artist Te Mete Solomon-Smith with her artwork which will be sold at auction for Tamati Coffey's election fundraiser. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Labour Party candidate for Rotorua Tamati Coffey will hold an event at the Blue Baths this month to raise funds for his campaign.

His "Big Red Fundraiser" on July 26 from 7pm will feature an introduction by ex-Labour MP for Rotorua and Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, followed by a speech by Labour leader David Cunliffe.

Mr Coffey has called on friends from across the entertainment spectrum to perform at his gala fundraiser.

Guests will be welcomed by two of New Zealand's premiere drag artists, Buckwheat and Tess Tickle, who will also perform shows during the evening.

After being treated to a red cocktail on arrival, guests will be serenaded by Waiariki Institute of Technology music student Robbie Howard, someone Mr Coffey said is "an amazing talent that both the X Factor and New Zealand's Got Talent scouts totally missed".

The evening will also feature the winners of Glenholme Primary's talent quest and will wrap up with energetic performances by the Diamond Divas, finalists of New Zealand's Got Talent in 2013.

"I've given up my career in television, and therefore my income, to run full-time for this campaign, so I have to rely on grassroots fundraising like this to pay for billboards, pamphlets, even milk for the cups of tea at our Labour Lounge," Mr Coffey said.

"Running for Parliament is a costly business when you have no income."

Local businesses and individuals have generously provided items and experiences to go up for auction, including a contemporary painting by Opotiki-based artist Te Mete Solomon-Smith titled Tamati Coffey. Manawa.

Among other items are a weekend's accommodation including a dinner at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, a hangi and concert family pass for Tamaki Maori Village, Kaitiaki Adventures white-water rafting and dinner at Mr Coffey's house.

For more information, or to book tickets, contact the Blue Baths or visit the Labour Lounge at 1243 Tutanekai St.