The Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust in conjunction with the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network is hosting the Trust’s first fundraiser – an evening of fine wines, outstanding New Zealand art, music, humour and good company at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.

The Pat Farry Trust Wine and Art Auction and Gala Dinner on Saturday, 10 March 2012 will begin at 6.30pm with drinks and gallery viewing of the art. Sam Hunt, poet and balladeer, will entertain guests before the auction of amazing art works from Otago/Southland artists, ‘best of’ collections of Central Otago wines, winemakers tastings and tours and some surprise auction lots bookend a seated dinner of local wine and cuisine. Queenstown musicians Margaret O’Hanlon & Master Blasters will finish up the night with music to celebrate winning bids and a successful conference.

While many of those in Queenstown at the annual New Zealand Rural General Practice Network conference or locals who knew Pat Farry will be part of the evening, bids have started to come in for art and wine lots from Trust supporters not wanting to miss out.

“It’s the sort of evening Pat would have enjoyed immensely,” says Trustee Sue Farry, adding that “no auction was safe from his enthusiasm for New Zealand art and wine.”

The evening is the Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust’s first fundraiser. In 2011, the Trust’s first scholarships were awarded and the Auction proceeds will support the Trust’s ongoing work to enable people in the health care sector seeking continuing education or research in Rural Health both at home and overseas.

Click here to download the Auction catalogue. Or click here to take a closer look at the Artists and their artworks. Including works by Simon Kaan, Marilyn Webb, Bing Dawe, Simon Morrisson Deaker, Bridgit Inder. The ‘Best Of’ wine selections, tours and exclusive vintner tastings from Bannockburn, Peregrine, Felton Road, Gibbston Valley.

For tickets, information and advance bids (if you cannot attend), please contact Sarah Swale on / 03 4412366 or 027 293 5055.