Manawatu MPs have put their policies and differing opinions aside to raise money for charity.

The parliamentary rugby and netball teams played in Palmerston North yesterday in a bid to raise money for Special Olympics NZ and Riding for the Disabled.

The parliamentary team included Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway (Labour), Napier MP Chris Tremain (National), Dunedin list MP Michael Woodhouse (National), and Epsom list MP Paul Goldsmith (National).

The teams' visit was secured after some cross-House lobbying by Mr Lees-Galloway and Rangi- tikei National MP Ian McKelvie.

The rugby match was played against a Manawatu golden oldies side while the netball game was against a Netball Manawatu selection. The parliamentary side won the rugby by "a lot", according to Mr Lees-Galloway, but lost the netball 21-17.

He said it was a fantastic opportunity for the MPs from different parties to come together for a good cause.

"It was a good old-fashioned match. I'm sore though."

Mr McKelvie, who played rugby when he was younger, decided it was best if he didn't lace up his boots. He was worried about getting injured as he was a tad older than Mr Lees-Galloway.

"It was an excellent event."

A fundraising dinner was due to be held on Saturday night, to raise more money for the charities, but Mr McKelvie said it had to be cancelled as there were not enough tickets sold.

Instead an auction was held yesterday.

Mr McKelvie said he would not know how much money had been raised until later today.

- © Fairfax NZ News