An auction to launch fundraising for a new multi-million dollar marae at Waiohiki on the outskirts of Napier has raised well over $100,000.
Thursday evening's auction of art works from all over New Zealand and overseas attracted people from as far away as Auckland and Wellington, who flew in to make bids.
Chairman for the fundraiser Denis O'Reilly says the interest far exceeded expectations, with many well known families in Hawke's Bay supporting the event.
He says it's a great start to what will be a long haul to raise just over $4 million dollars needed to build the complex.
Mr O'Reilly says the end result will be a community facility of equal status and mana to the Opera House in Hastings and Napier's new museum and art gallery.