Car show boosts St John

Tauranga’s Auto Extravaganza organiser

Neville McKay is a happy man. So is his sidekick Keith Sawyer. The pair handed over a big fat $10,000 cheque to Hato Hone St John in Tauranga City this week.

The $10,000 is the biggest amount of proceeds Neville has raised for St John, after holding four Tauranga Auto Extravaganzas in recent years at The Waterfront carpark.

“I am absolutely rapt – my aim fundraising goal was $10,000 this year. And we got there!”

Neville says the funds were raised at March 13’s 2023 Auto Extravaganza via raffles, auctions, sponsored prizes, donations and people being generous.

“So many people came along to the event – The Strand was full, and the carpark was nearly full,” says Neville.

This year’s event even dodged a backfire – after being postponed due to Cyclone Gabrielle. Finally, on March 13, Neville’s team rallied bikes, cars, and trucks from around the country, plus hot food, good music and spot prizes for a day of family fun.

At lunchtime Wednesday, Welcome Bay Lions Club members, representatives from Mag & Turbo, MTF Finance and Countdown, plus car people and supporters and helpers of the show gathered at Hato Hone St John 17th Ave to pass the funds over.

According to St John, the $10,000 will play a big part in staff welfare, supporting the Youth Programme, plus building maintenance and improvements.

Neville and his family have used Hato Hone’s services in the past – and have always been impressed “by the kindness and professionalism” they were met with each encounter.

Now he’s looking forward to a bigger and better show in 2024 – to be held at Classic Flyers –where visitors will have access to the museum housing vintage planes, boats, and trucks.

“That’s all organised – and it will be held around the same time of year,” says Neville. So what’s the fundraising goal for 2024? “I hope we get $15,000.” Watch this space! Merle Cave