Regatta lunch to support water safety

Luncheon on the Navy frigate Te Kaha on Auckland's Anniversary Day means the best food, the most attentive waiters, the crispest white tablecloths and,
because Te Kaha is one of the regatta markers, it also means the luxury of having the Auckland Anniversary New Zealand Herald Regatta revolve around you.

Some 250 people - supporters of The New Zealand Herald Foundation, as well as some guests of the Navy - will be ferried out to Te Kaha¹s mooring off North Head for a memorable day at sea, hosted by the Governor General and the Maritime Commander New Zealand, who is also president of the Auckland Anniversary Committee.

The New Zealand Herald Foundation will direct proceeds from the event to two charities that share the aim of broadening the enjoyment, participation and safety of aquatic activities: the Sea Scouts and WaterSafe Auckland.

Part of WaterSafe Auckland¹s share of the monies will help pay for teachers at several lower-decile Auckland schools to become swimming teachers. The rest will further the "In at the Deep End" programme, which gives
intermediate-aged children who've missed out on water skills the chance to catch up.

"That way, when it comes to high school camp or outings, they're ready to have a go at canoing or kayaking or yachting activities," says Sandy Harrop of WaterSafe Auckland.

The Sea Scouts will use the funds they receive to refurbish their fleet of wooden 17 ft cutters, their basic training boat.

"It's getting very expensive to replace these boats," says Neville Candy, "but with refurbishment they'll serve us well for at least another 15 years and help a lot of people learn to sail."

In a feat of understatement Richard Holden, executive director of the New Zealand Herald Foundation, describes the annual event as "one of New Zealand's more pleasant lunches."

He adds that the Navy "are surely the best caterers in the country" and always excel themselves on Auckland's birthday.

"There's a beautiful lunch, the Navy band playing the whole time, impeccable service from white-uniformed Navy personnel, and all the excitement of the
regatta happening around you."

Richard Holden says it's always a thrill to take part in the atmosphere of the day and the maritime protocols. The tall ships which come out on the
Waitemata on Anniversary Day "visit" the frigate and dip their flags in acknowledgement, with the frigate reciprocating.

A highlight for some, Richard Holden says, is the ancient tradition of distributing tots of rum.

"The Governor General can order the rum issue, and we understand that he will do that on the day, as he did last year."