Charity dinner to celebrate Victoria Park Tunnel opening

Auckland, 5 October 2011 – Preparations are underway for a once in a lifetime gala dinner to be held in Auckland’s Victoria Park Tunnel before the official opening.

An estimated 1,000 guests will enjoy an historic dining experience inside the actual tunnel. They will be the first members of the public to step on the freshly laid tarmac and have a close-up look at the 450metre tunnel.

This unique event will take place on Thursday 27 October with all proceeds from the evening going towards the completion of Ronald McDonald House Auckland Trust’s family accommodation facility, Grafton Mews.

The Trust provides support and accommodation for families from all over New Zealand whose children must be in Auckland to receive treatment at Starship Children’s Hospital.

“We’re thrilled with the opportunity to host this event. Not only will it raise much needed funds, people will have the opportunity to be a part of history,” says Wayne Howett, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Auckland Trust.

The New Zealand Transport Agency will be holding an official opening and public open day two days after the gala diner on Saturday 29 October. Northbound traffic is scheduled to flow through the tunnel from 7 November.

“We are delighted that through NZTA’s association with Downtown Rotary, the Ronald McDonald House Auckland Trust is able to make to most of this historic opportunity before the official opening,” says Tommy Parker, New Zealand Transport Agency’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland.

The Victoria Park Tunnel is one of seven Roads of National Significance identified by the Government as essential to support economic growth In New Zealand. It is the first to be constructed and will be the first completed.

“The opening of the tunnel is the first stage of completion in the overall Victoria Tunnel Project. Completion of the entire project in March 2012 will be a significant milestone for transport in Auckland,” says Mr Parker.

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