High Tea on the High Seas

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Dilmah Tea founder Merrill J Fernando outside Interislander's ferry Kaitaki for the High Tea on the High Seas tea tasting

Media release

Wednesday March 19 March

High Tea on the High Seas

More than 60 people were treated to high tea on the high seas at a charity fundraiser aboard the Interislander ferry Kaitaki last night.

The founder of Dilmah Tea, Mr Merrill J Fernando, and his son, Dilhan C Fernando, conducted an exclusive tea tasting course for guests from around the Wellington region at the event, which was hosted by Interislander and helped raise money for the Chris Cairns Foundation and Hospice New Zealand.

Manager of Sales and Marketing Julie Robertson says Interislander has a strong relationship with Dilmah Tea through its onboard offerings.

“Having Merrill and Dilhan in New Zealand was a great opportunity for us to do something that would help raise awareness and money for these two fantastic charities. We’re thrilled with the turnout and that the evening was such a great success,” Ms Robertson says.

The Fernandos introduced participants to the art of tea tasting and some of the world’s most exotic tea blends, as well as latest trends in tea culture, including tea-based cocktails.

Merrill J Fernando says there has been a renaissance in the idea of taking high tea in Europe since 2006.

“The tea tasting with Interislander was a great way to introduce New Zealanders to these developments as well as raise money for a good cause,” he says.

Throughout the day onboard Interislander ferries, staff also collected donations from passengers for the two organisations.

Former international cricketer and chairman of the Chris Cairns Foundation, Chris Cairns, says Interislander’s efforts are a welcome contribution to the charity.

“Events such as this are a great way to raise awareness of the organisation and help to reiterate the importance of safety on our rail networks around New Zealand,” he says.

Hospice New Zealand chief executive Mary Schumacher says she is pleased that High Tea on the High Seas helped to increase the profile of its organisation.

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About Interislander:

Interislander is New Zealand’s leading Cook Strait ferry operator, carrying more than 1 million passengers every year. Owned by Toll New Zealand, Interislander has been in operation for more than 40 years, transporting passengers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2005, Interislander crossed Cook Strait 5,623 times, carrying 55,000 trucks and 230,000 passenger vehicles.

60% of Interislander’s passengers are New Zealanders and 40% are tourists from overseas. It specialises in providing a uniquely Kiwi experience for international and domestic travellers alike.

About the charities

The Chris Cairns Foundation was established to help reduce the number of fatalities at level crossings around New Zealand.

Hospice New Zealand provides support to hospice services around the country caring for the terminally ill and their families.

ENDS

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