Chef's visit helps raise $30,000 for hospice

New Zealand celebrity chef Jo Seagar (right) during a fund raising night for the Rotorua Hospice. Photo/Supplied

New Zealand celebrity chef Jo Seagar has helped raise $30,000 for the city's hospice during two events in Rotorua.

Mrs Seagar took part in a master class on Friday night at Novotel Lakeside Rotorua, sharing her cooking knowledge with more than 300 people.

She then appeared as a special guest during a gala dinner and charity auction on Saturday at the same venue.

Along with $20,000 raised from ticket sales, sponsorship and raffles for both events, the Harcourts charity auction also raised more than $10,000.

Generous Rotorua businesses and enthusiastic bidders got right behind the auction for Rotorua Hospice.

Rotorua Hospice fund raising manager Jan Morgan said they really appreciated the support from the community and local businesses.

"Patient numbers have increased by 33 per cent on the previous 12 months in Rotorua without any extra funding from the Government."

The money raised from the weekend will help with the funding deficit which is projected to be about $700,000 for the next year.

She said it cost $1.5 million to operate the Rotorua Hospice service which included 18,900 home visits during the past year.

Mrs Seagar has been a Hospice New Zealand ambassador since 1999.

A Classic Hits Jo Seagar cooking competition was won by Robin Little.

She won a hob and a signed recipe book from Mrs Seagar.