All Black memorabilia up for grabs

Pukaha general manager Helen Tickner with All Blacks memorabilia that will be auctioned at a fundraising dinner on Friday. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A rugby ball signed by All Blacks legends Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Andrew Merhtens and Richie McCaw is one of many items up for grabs at this year's Pukaha Mt Bruce fundraising auction and dinner.

The ball, which was signed by members of the 2002 team, is one of the items donated to the annual event being held this Friday at the Copthorne Hotel in Masterton.

General manager Helen Tickner said the evening, which kicks off at 6pm, promised to be excellent fun, with plenty of cool stuff going under the hammer.

"It's going to be really interesting. There's some neat stuff.

"If you can't come to the dinner you can still actually put in a phone bid beforehand if you're keen."

Other items up for auction included a signed photograph of the 2008 All Blacks team, including McCaw, Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino and Ma'a Nonu, a dawn chorus breakfast for six at Pukaha including a tour of the kiwi creche with a wildlife ranger, and a historical tour of Owhanga Station.

Support from local business was vital to ensuring the success of such events, Mrs Tickner said.

"We have so much support from the community in all these things, it's absolutely amazing."

Those keen to attend the dinner needed to book quickly, she said.

Those interested can call the Visitor Centre on 06 3758004 to book tickets.