Hon Tariana Turia

Media Statement
2 July 2009

Trade Me auction a success says Turia

The Trade Me auction for a dinner with Tariana Turia and Brendon Pongia closed today with the highest bid being $2,530.

"We're absolutely stoked that we've managed to raise this much for the Pairama-Lewington brothers so they can pursue their sporting dreams," Mrs Turia said.

“The support for this initiative has been amazing and there are so many generous and kind-spirited people out there including Brendon, who joined with me to become one of the dinner attractions, Prime Minister John Key, who donated two bottles of signed wine for the dinner, Trade Me and various restaurant owners who have offered to sponsor the dinner.”

The Pairama-Lewington whanau are extremely humbled by the amount of support and would like to thank the public for their generosity, Mrs Turia said.

“The brothers are enormously encouraged for their big events coming up, including Te Aro who will be playing for New Zealand U17 in three tests against Australia next month.”

Contact has already been made with the winner and their name and the details of where and when the dinner will be will remain confidential.

The auction scored more than 8500 views and attracted more than 80 bids.

People, who missed out on the auction, but still want to help the brothers can make a donation to: Kiwibank, Pairama-Lewington Brothers Trust, 38-9009-0416433-00.

ENDS

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