Pero hopes bid for apple proves fruitful

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John Key with Otahuhu Primary School kids and the apple. From left to right - Matthew Fenton, Lesina Letufuga, John Key, Vanshika Prasad, Geoffrey Tuita (at the back holding up the sign), ENZA marketing manager Campbell Naish, Levi Prescott, KidsCan executive director Julie Helson, Mary - Ann Ly

Media Release:

Pero hopes bid for apple proves fruitful

Renowned entrepreneur and business leader Mike Pero may soon have the further distinction of being New Zealand’s No.1 collector of iconic Kiwi fruit.

Pero’s opening $500 bid for the country’s most patriotic apple – part of the Big Night In KidsCan auction – is his second venture into the world of remarkable fruit.

Since purchasing a feijoa shaped like a kiwi, the founder of SafeKiwi escrow service says he has been inundated with offers to add to his collection, though none as impressive as his current pursuit.

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Proud to the core, New Zealand's most patriotic apple

“This apple is truly patriotic,” said Pero of the ENZA braeburn with a map of New Zealand on its skin. “As soon as I saw it, I knew we were onto something special. To be able to donate all the money to KidsCan in the process is brilliant.

“Looking after our kids is a really important task that all New Zealanders should take responsibility for. I’m happy to pay good money for this piece of Kiwiana and I’m hoping more bidders will come on board to make this auction a real success.”

Having travelled from The Tasman Fruitpackers’ Nelson orchard, the apple made its first public appearance on Friday when Otahuhu Primary School children introduced it to Prime Minister John Key.

Mr Key remarked that other than the disappearance of Taranaki and the bridge between Stewart Island and the mainland, the apple’s ‘tattoo’ was a “truly remarkable depiction of New Zealand”.

“I hope the auction is a huge success,” he said.

The Otahuhu kids were equally impressed: “I reckon it’s worth a million dollars,” said nine-year-old Levi Prescott.

Purveyors of fine fruit are encouraged to visit the Proud to the Core auction at www.sella.co.nz and place a bid for KidsCan.

ENDS

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