The sixth edition of Rocking with the Stars was held on Saturday in Invercargill with former TV presenter Margot Sutherland, entertainer and radio personality Craig Waddell, singer Liv Cochrane, city police officer Kelvin Templeton, Southern Charity Hospital project founder Melissa Vining, More FM Breakfast host Simon Edwards, world champion masters track cyclist Erin Criglington, radio personality Corbyn Shuttleworth and Environment Southland councillor Lyndall Ludlow and their dance partners taking the dance floor to show their rock‘n’roll moves.
All the dancers but one had been involved with the event before, so it was an "all-star edition" with part of the funds raised donated to Hato Hone St John’s new Southland district headquarters which will be built in Invercargill.
From twists and dips to floor sweeps, there was plenty of entertainment during the night.
Mrs Vining was crowned the winner with Mr Waddell and Mrs Criglington placing second and third, respectively.
Mrs Vining said she was humbled by the victory.
"We practised quite a bit, but I came for fun and I’d be happy if I got through the task," she said.
"Obviously, Joe is an exceptionally good dancer, so it was real fun."
She said it was a special weekend for her as not only was she crowned the winner but on Friday she laid the last brick at the Southern Charity Hospital.
Her victory was dedicated to her late husband Blair Vining who died from cancer in 2019.
"The last time I was here, Blair was here with us and died a few weeks after this.
"So, yeah, it’s definitely a bittersweet weekend, but we’ve all been feeling like Blair’s very much around us."
Invercargill Rock ’n’ Roll Club president Karl Herman said the night was a big success.
"It highlighted what the rock’n’roll was about. It is about being rebellious, it is about the clothing and most of all ... having fun."
They hoped to organise another edition of the event in 2026, he said.
