Five causes are benefiting handsomely from a record-breaking charity auction hosted by realtor Colliers’ Queenstown office.
Last month’s 10th Latitude 45 South event brought together 70 Colliers brokers and private clients, who were once again choppered to a
mystery location — in this case, Wānaka’s Mahu Whenua Lodge.
Mora wines donated by the Skeggs family complemented a fine dining luncheon, during which a spirited charity auction, called by Queenstown agent Brendan Quill, was held.
Featuring a selection of bespoke, often once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it raised a record $215,000.
That’s being split amongst Wakatipu High School Foundation (WHSF), Otago Community Hospice, Graeme Dingle Foundation, Hawke’s Bay/East Coast Cyclone Gabrielle relief fund and Southern Lakes Sanctuary, on behalf of Mahu Whenua.
WHSF trustee Adrian Januskiewicz says the school and foundation continue to be immensely grateful to the Colliers team and their guests.
‘‘The donated funds, which cumulatively exceed $500,000 over the years the event’s been held, allow us to do so much to improve the quality of education for Queenstown’s high school students.’’
Southern Lakes Sanctuary trustee Jo Booker says ‘‘support from groups like Colliers is integral for the project’s long-term survival as it works towards a predator-free Southern Lakes region’’.
The Latitude 45 lunch has now raised $1.6 million-plus since its inception in 2011.
‘‘Every year we’re impressed and humbled by the generosity of the attendees, and 2023 was no exception,’’ Colliers Otago director Mark
Simpson says.
‘‘This year has given us an amazing result and will make a real difference.’’
