Charity Auction Sells Tank of Petrol for $2,500 to Benefit Hawke’s Bay Women’s Refuges
A Napier business owner paid $2,500 at a charity gala to fill up his wife’s car with petrol, highlighting cost-of-living strains while anchoring a fundraising drive that brought in $35,000 for Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges. Peter Gerbes, managing director of Colourcraft, secured the fuel lot during the Saturday evening event held at Toitoi’s Assembly Ballroom, according to reporting by Newstalk ZB and The Gist.
How the Petrol Auction Relates to Prior Charity Lots
The fuel sale follows a similar high-visibility stunt from the previous year’s annual gala, where a single block of butter sold for $2,200 and earned media attention as New Zealand’s most expensive block of butter, as detailed by Newstalk ZB. Gerbes purchased that butter lot as well. For this year’s event, organizers structured the petrol lot to similarly reflect ongoing cost of living struggles across the country. Harcourts auctioneer Brayden Coldicutt led the bidding and will meet Gerbes at the pump to cover the fuel for a VW Tiguan.
Impact on Family VIP Services and Local Refuges
About 130 people attended the Saturday gathering, which raised a total of $35,000 for Family VIP Services, the provider operating Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges. Family VIP Services business manager Julie Hart told Newstalk ZB that the money supports safe accommodation, advocacy, and ongoing practical assistance for women, children, and male victims of family violence across Hawke’s Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the petrol tank auction raise?
Peter Gerbes won the petrol tank lot with a bid of $2,500.
Where did the fundraising event take place?
The gala dinner and auction took place at Toitoi’s Assembly Ballroom in Hastings, drawing about 130 attendees.
What organization receives the funds?
Money raised from the event goes to Family VIP Services to support Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges.
What was auctioned at last year’s event?
Last year’s gala featured a block of butter that sold for $2,200, which was also purchased by Peter Gerbes.
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