Holiday auction for tsunami aid

WILL HINE/149051

BID TO HELP: Motelier Dianne Smith is auctioning a Queenstown holiday on Trade Me to raise money for the victims of the tsunami last month.

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A Queenstown motelier is hoping for a wave of support as she raises money for the victims of the tsunami that devastated Samoa last month.

Queenstown Motel Apartments owner Dianne Smith is offering on Trade Me a three-day holiday in Queenstown, with all proceeds going to the New Zealand Red Cross tsunami emergency appeal.

Mrs Smith said her daughter Vanessa was friends with Highlander and Samoan rugby player Romi Ropati, who had lost family and friends in the tsunami.

"That got me going because I knew he worked hard for his family in the islands.

"I've met him a couple of times and he's a lovely, lovely man."

The tragedy also hit close to home with the Motel Association of New Zealand – of which her husband Peter Smith is national president – losing a member in the tsunami.

Queenstown businesses Real Journeys, Skippers Canyon Jet, Nomad Safaris, Prime Restaurant and HMS Britannia Restaurant have all contributed products and vouchers to Mrs Smith's auction, taking the value of the package to $2132.

The winning bidder would be able to take the holiday within the next 12 months, subject to availability.

The auction closes on Monday.

will.hine@slt.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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