Local stars get involved in evening with a special aim

By LAUREN MENTJOX

They won't all be getting up to sing and dance, but local stars are supporting a music therapy trust auction to help children with special needs.

Supported by charity fundraiser Rosie Horton, singer Boh Runga and other celebrities, the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust is holding a gala dinner and auction at the Auckland Town Hall tomorrow night to raise funds for its Sandringham music therapy centre.

The Raukatauri centre was opened this year by singer-songwriter Hinewehi Mohi and her husband, George, whose daughter Hineraukatauri has severe cerebral palsy.

It caters for 29 special-needs children of school age and younger, and has another 30 children on its waiting list.

Ms Mohi said although the level of support from the music industry and local businesses was staggering, more help was needed to maintain and develop the centre.

The ultimate aim was to provide therapy for all age groups.

"We want this to be accessible to everyone - seeing someone go from having nothing to suddenly being able to participate is really revolutionary."

Mrs Horton said she believed in the philosophy of doing something for children who could not do things themselves.

"I don't think anyone has any idea how many people can benefit from this education."

A Lord of the Rings music score signed by Peter Jackson, a corporate booth at Big Day Out 2005, and a fender guitar from rocker Chrissie Hynde are three of the many musical items donated for the event, which will also include performances by artists such as Brooke Fraser and Scribe.

Boh and Bic Runga will perform a song they have written especially.

Tickets cost $250 a head.