Sign In / Register
An evening of fine dining, spirited bidding and remarkable generosity has delivered a major boost to the Mangawhai Museum, with more than $30,000 raised at its eighth annual Dinner & Auction fundraiser.
Held for the first time at the Mangawhai Tavern on August 23, the sold-out event was hailed as one of the museum’s most successful yet. Museum manager Angela Cook credited the result to the hard work of volunteers and the enthusiastic support from guests.
“These funds will help us begin making exciting updates to our permanent displays,” Cook said. “We can now revitalise the entrance, expand the tangata whenua display and create an interactive, updatable Cabinet of Curiosities.”
The tavern was transformed for the occasion, with candlelit tables, fresh flower arrangements and a beautifully styled outdoor auction area. Guests were welcomed with a glass of bubbles courtesy of Bayleys Mangawhai before enjoying a three-course meal and live music from popular local band Loose Covers.
Behind the scenes, event planners Faye Willemsen-Ward and Sharon Fenner spent months securing sponsors, curating auction items and designing the look and feel of the night. Cook praised their “problem-solving, positive energy and ambition,” calling them “a dream to support.”
Bidding proved lively, with several standout prizes drawing strong interest, including a luxury fishing getaway, a round of golf at Tara Iti with caddies and lunch, a full set of DIY tools from Mangawhai ITM, a Paslode framing nail gun from Carters Mangawhai, and a Game of 2 Halves artwork by Otis Frizzell and Mike Weston. The ever-popular Mystery Envelopes, priced at $30 or $50, revealed vouchers and prizes of equal or greater value, all donated by Mangawhai retailers.
Two of the evening’s most generous bidders, Vic and Maria Dickerson, were honoured on the night with a Mangawhai Museum Lifetime Membership, presented by Cook as a heartfelt gesture of thanks.
“Some guests joked they should open a tab for how much they intended to spend – and spend they did,” Cook laughed.
The event also saw strong backing from local businesses, many of which purchased entire tables and donated auction items.
Reflecting on the night, Cook said the lively atmosphere and strong turnout set the stage for future success.
“It was the first time we’d run this event with this team at this venue, so we learned a few things which will make next year’s event even better. People were having a good time and the atmosphere was pretty lively.
“I think we’ll need a better sound system next year though, to be heard over the revelry.”
