Cocktail Lounge auction offers great array of items for bidders

Going once...: A limited edition print of Marie Grice's 'Nesting Spotted Shags' is one of the auction items at The Cocktail Lounge fundraising event.

Guests at The Cocktail Lounge event on November 4 will have the opportunity to bid on an array of fabulous auction items.

The organising committee for the 1950s-themed fundraiser for Women's Refuge Whanganui has put together a host of top-notch items from local and national sponsors for the live auction.

Whanganui artist Marie Grice has provided a limited edition print of her work Nesting Spotted Shags, originally done in oils, for the auction.

"I got involved because I think it's a great cause and it's going to support many families," Ms Grice said.

The print has been framed by Renata's Framing, with a total value of $800. The spotted shag or parekareka is only found in New Zealand.

This species prefers to nest on cliffs along rocky coasts where they occupy ledges or cracks, forming colonies of more than 1000 birds.

Seaweed is often used in lining the nests, the foundation of which is made of sticks.

The other major items up for grabs are:

Mercedes motor racing day at Hampton Downs:The auction winner will take part in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Auckland Driving Event at Hampton Downs.

This exclusive prize includes personal guidance by Australasia's best driving instructors, the use of Mercedes-Benz vehicles during the event, all refreshments and a gourmet lunch.

Great Journeys of New Zealand Tourism Experience:
Sponsored by KiwiRail, the winner will receive four tickets on the Tranz Alpine train (value $1000), four tickets on the Northern Explorer (value $600), and four Interislander Ferry tickets, Wellington to Picton plus entry to the business lounge (value $160).

Queenstown package:
Three nights' accommodation in Queenstown, two free vouchers for the Cardrona Whiskey Distillery tour.

Six bottles of The Source Rosehip Gin from the Cardrona Distillery:
Awarded Gold at the 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, it combines locally forged rosehip with traditional juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, lemon and orange zest and is vapour-distilled into a single malt spirit (value from $720).

Air Chathams flights:
Five trip multipass (value $900).

His and Hers fashion retail package:
$500 voucher from Footloose, $500 from Andersons for Men.

The Cocktail Lounge auction will be held on Saturday, November 4, at Heritage House. Funds raised will go toward bigger premises for Women's Refuge Whanganui as well as continuing to support their work with women and children. Tickets can be booked via www.thegreatball.nz.