Gala Dinner & Auction

Thursday 21st May | 5:30pm - Wine + Food Experience, 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim

Purchase Tickets or for more info email Emma Blackburn: chair@kareareafalcon.org

Indulge in a spectacular black-tie evening featuring a menu created by Ed Drury, including NZ King Salmon, Meaters of Marlborough chorizo, Avon Valley Safaris wild game, and a special pairing with Cardrona Distillery’s The Falcon. Enjoy platters from the Wine & Food Experience with a glass of wine on arrival, followed by a plated entrée, mid-course, alternate-drop mains, and a plated dessert as part of a four-course meal.

Relax to live music with Chris Smithers on piano, alongside short presentations from Metalworks Wanaka,and the Kārearea Falcon Trust. A selection of white wine from Huia will be available throughout.

The Kārearea Falcon Trust is thrilled to partner with Metalworks Wanaka to present a stunning collection of hand-crafted kārearea sculptures. A portion of the proceeds from every sculpture sold will be donated to the Trust. Steve, Jennifer, and the Metalworks team, inspired by their love of NZ falcons, have created each piece to support the Trust’s vital conservation work. We also have a range of other items to auction, including a degustation dinner for eight at Avon Valley Lodge, framed photographs, a private tour and up-close encounter at the Kārearea Falcon Trust, and a Lake Chalice platter. Each ticket holder will receive a Goodie Bag featuring items from Indigo Wise,Ellen Gigg enbach,Eco Store, Pinoli Pinenuts and the Kārearea Falcon Trust.

Bids are now open as part of a silent auction. Silent bidding will close at 3pm on Thursday 21 May 2026 after which the leading bids will move into a live auction held at the Wine and Food Experience at the dinner by our charismatic auctioneer, David Searle from Harcourts Marlborough. Our sculptures are in position and you are welcome to enjoy a glass of something while viewing the works and there are QR codes to enable you to place bids - don’t miss your chance to let your favourite sculpture take flight to your home or garden.

Final winners, if not at the dinner, will be notified on 22 May 2026. Shipping can be arranged directly with Metalworks Wanaka at the purchaser’s expense.