Man pays $2500 to fill wife's car with petrol

A Hawke’s Bay man has paid $2500 to fill up a family car with petrol, and he’s done it with a smile on his face. 

A gala dinner and auction event was held on Saturday in Hastings to raise money for Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges. 

The evening raised $35,000 for Family VIP Services, providers of Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges. 

Last year, the annual event included a block of butter being auctioned off, which raised a remarkable $2200. 

It was dubbed New Zealand’s most expensive block of butter. 

This year, another surprise lot to reflect New Zealand’s cost of living struggles went up for auction – a tank of petrol. 

Auctioneer Brayden Coldicutt during the charity auction and gala dinner. Photo / Michael Farr 

Peter Gerbes, managing director of Napier’s Colourcraft, won the auction with a bid of $2500. He also purchased the block of butter last year. 

Gerbes plans to fill up his wife’s car, a VW Tiguan, following the successful bid. 

Auctioneer Brayden Coldicutt, from Harcourts, helped lead the event and will meet Gerbes at the pump to cover the petrol. 

Family VIP Services business manager Julie Hart said the generosity shown by Gerbes and other supporters was incredible. 

“We love that a block of butter and now a tank of petrol have become such fun moments in the auction,” she said. 

“Behind the laughs is an incredible amount of generosity, with people willing to give because they know their money is supporting local families. 

“We are so grateful to Peter, and to everyone who bid, donated items, sponsored the event or supported us on the night.” 

About 130 people attended the event at Toitoi’s Assembly Ballroom. 

Money raised will go towards helping Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges provide safe accommodation, advocacy, and practical, ongoing support for women, children and male victims affected by family violence across Hawke’s Bay.