A young Dunedin business which believes in supporting its community is organising a charity gala to raise money to support the relocation of kiwi to Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
The event will be held after the first Haast tokoeka are released by Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson at the ecosanctuary on October 30.
She will then attend the black-tie gala and auction at the Custom House in the Steamer Basin area.
PocketSmith co-founder Jason Leong said the two-year-old tech company took on a social responsibility project each year and this year had chosen the ecosanctuary.
He recently discovered the ecosanctuary through a tweet and was impressed when he visited.
So the company, in partnership with Orokonui Ecosanctuary and various Dunedin businesses, was organising the event which they hoped would attract about 200 people.
Tickets cost $110.
"We thought we'd do it with a party, raise some funds. Everyone loves a party."
It was hoped the event would raise enough money for the ecosanctuary to maintain and possibly expand the kiwi habitat.
Businesses were being generous with goods and services for the auction and event.
The Monarch and Tiakina vessels would be lit up on the water, there would be a green carpet, a live band and drummers by the water.
Splashroom Media will film the release of the kiwi that afternoon, and screen it at the gala.
A website - www.orokonuicharitygala.co.nz - had been set up.
