Fund-Raising Wine Auction

A scene of Mexican Cheer

In direct contrast to Sunday afternoon’s downcast weather, the interior of Waikanae Senior Citizens’ Hall was transformed to a scene of Mexican cheer and colour for the annual fund-raising wine auction of the the NZ Labour Party’s Waikanae Branch.

The seventy-plus party members and supporters – along with the MP for Mana, Kris Faafoi – were greeted with balloons and colourful sombreros decorating the walls and tables, Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass filling the air-space, the promise of plentiful Mexican food, and the added drawcard of guest auctioneer – the party’s Deputy Leader, Grant Robertson – who had proven an outstanding success last year.

After initial finger food and wine and a welcome from Branch Chair, Bruce Taylor, guests sat down to a full lunch, which of course included chilli con carne and fill-your-own tortillas.

This was followed by the afternoon’s business, the sale of the wine. The bottles were signed and donated primarily by members of the Labour caucus, with some local contributions, and with his highly amusing patter Grant proved adept at extracting every last cent for each bottle.

Meanwhile  in the kitchen a remarkable team of branch members worked tirelessly to prepare the sweet course and to keep the dishes under control.

By the time the celebration wound up it was obvious that everybody who attended had thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Jan Nimmo, Chair of the Otaki Labour Electorate Committee – herself the branch member who had planned the menu and organised the food preparation – declared the afternoon an “outstanding success”.