Prime Minister John Key tonight promised to match dollar-for-dollar money raised by the Herald and World Vision Forgotten Millions campaign.
Key was one of more than 300 people at a gala dinner and charity auction. The black-tie event was hosted by Rachel Smalley at SkyCity's Auckland Room.
He plegded Government funding - doubling the $1.3 million raised so far to help refugees in war-torn Syria.
Forty-five auction items are up for grabs, including a luxury golfing trip at the Kinloch Club, high-fashion items from Trelise Cooper and Crane Brothers and a hunting retreat in the King Country.