Join the Waipuna Hospice Long Lunch Charity Gala on October 16 and turn your Friday into a Friyay! Not only will you enjoy a scrumptious lunch, live entertainment, and thrilling auctions, you’ll also get to meet Dick Tayler, the 1974 world’s fastest 10,000m runner and 1974 New Zealand Sportsman of the Year. Taking place at Mercury Baypark Arena, it’ll be a Friday afternoon to remember as you come together with the community, have a good time, and support Waipuna Hospice in providing compassionate care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Friday 16 October 2026 | 12pm – 6pm

Mercury Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui 3152

The Waipuna Hospice Long Lunch Charity Gala will bring together our local community to raise vital funds in support of Waipuna Hospice, because when communities come together, extraordinary things happen.

Enjoy a long lunch, live entertainment including 1974 Gold Medallist Dick Tayler on high performance sport and what it takes to compete at the highest level, and silent and live auctions, all whilst supporting Waipuna Hospice’s specialist end-of-life care services in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

Did you know that Dick Tayler’s real name is Richard Tayler? He became known as Dick after TV race commentator Keith Quinn mistakenly called him that during the 1974 Commonwealth Games—and the name simply stuck! Get to meet Dick and have a great time with the community when you join the Waipuna Hospice Long Lunch Charity Gala this October. Purchase your tickets to this event here now.