Deco ambassador arrives in style

DO TRY IT: Merrill Fernando was keen to try out the driver's seat while sons Dilhan (left) and Malik checked out the rear seats of the Model T. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

The Art Deco Trust brewed up plenty of smiles for this year's international ambassador, Dilmah Tea founder Merrill Fernando, when he arrived yesterday afternoon.

Mr Fernando, along with his sons Dilhan and Malik, were greeted by Rick Graham and his lovingly restored 1926 Ford Model T.

They were clearly delighted to arrive in the Art Deco capital of the world.

Especially to be welcomed by a Model 'T'.

"I have heard a lot about this weekend and I am looking forward to it," Mr Fernando said.

He said he had read about Napier's rise from the rubble and was astonished it was rebuilt in just two years.

"And it is a very nice place and look at this beautiful view," he said motioning to the seafront.

His only previous trip to Napier was about six years ago when he stayed at the Hawke's Bay Club.

"It was a memorable experience."

Mr Fernando said he was proud to be the ambassador for this year's event.

"I am delighted to do it."

When the idea was initially broached by Art Deco Trust general manager Sally Jackson last year, Mr Fernando said he would be honoured and had long been fascinated by the style of Deco.

Mrs Jackson said the link came about in the wake of a "cheeky" e-mail she sent off to him at the end of the 2012 weekend asking if he would be interested in one day visiting.

She was delighted to get a reply in which Mr Fernando said he was very keen.

"It went from there," she said.

The agreement was made after Mr Fernando attended a Dilmah High Tea promotion in Auckland early last year which Mrs Jackson went to, and later made a presentation of what the Tremains Art Deco Weekend, and the work of the trust, was all about. Mr Fernando has been a long-time supporter of charitable and community events which could draw people of all ages and make them happy.

Yesterday's official arrival underlined that he liked what he had heard about the event and was now looking to see it for himself.

He and his son Dilhan will take part in a Dilmah Tea Lovers lecture as well as two High Tea sessions, which will also be attended by leading chefs Simon Gault and Ray McVinnie as well as cocktail mixologist James Millar.

After a quick look around Mr Fernando and his sons were delighted to be offered a ride to their hotel in the Model T.

"I do like the vintage cars and we have seen a few marvellous ones already," he said, admiring a shining Dodge which glided by.

When told there would be more than 200 in town during the weekend he smiled broadly.

"Superb."