A fundraising Gala Dinner is being held at Southwards in August to support the work done by Mary Potter Hospice and renovate the Kāpiti Community Base.
At the Gala Dinner you’ll savour a delicious three course plated dinner by Relish Cafe and Catering, accompanied by award winning Spy Valley wines and beer from DVB. Enjoy entertainment from some of Kāpiti’s up and coming musical talent and be blown away by Stew Darling’s incredible stories, all whilst supporting Mary Potter Hospice to renovate the Kāpiti community facilities. In addition, you will have a chance to bid on a collection of exciting auction items.
About the Speaker – Stew Darling
Stew Darling is a former Lieutenant Colonel in Military Intelligence with a 23-year career in the British Army running covert operations around the world. Stew worked with the FBI, CIA, and MI6 and was responsible for thousands of lives in high-stress environments including operations in The Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Author of Lead through Life and Unstoppable: Living Beyond Our Limits, he brings a unique perspective honed by his distinguished career in both covert military operations, business and leadership development. With over two decades of service in Military Intelligence, Stew mastered the art of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking under extreme pressure.
Stew transitioned seamlessly from his military career to business, he built an 8-figure ($) software company before returning to his passion of leadership coaching and motivational speaking. In telling his story, you will hear about his first hand experiences in high-stakes environments, his insights into overcoming adversity, fostering team cohesion, and leading with integrity.
Tickets: https://hospice-gala-dinner-2025.raiselysite.com/
Some of the exciting prizes on offer…
Light House Cuba Private Cinema Screening and Bar Tab – Private screening in Light House Cuba’s 34 seat cinema, for any currently screening movie of your choice. Turn it into a complete function with the $350 counter tab included that can be used on drinks, ice creams and confectionery. Valued at $925.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Ultimate Overnight Kiwi Experience – Ngā Manu is a nature and wildlife reserve in Waikanae. Get the Ultimate Overnight Kiwi Experience for up to 4 guests. It includes a stay in Theo’s Cottage, a Kiwi Night Encounter, and a Native Bird Close Encounter the next day. Perfect for the whole family! Valued at $600.
Minaret Station Alpine Luxury Lodge Experience -Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is one of the world’s most secluded and private luxury lodges. Nestled in a high alpine meadow at 3,000ft, surrounded by National Parks, mountains, and Lake Wanaka, only accessible by helicopter. Voucher includes return helicopter flights, one night’s accommodation in an alpine king or twin chalet, all meals and beverages provided, and a private guide for hiking from the Lodge. Valued at $8750.
A Night Under the Stars
When: 27 August 2025, 6:15 pm onwards
6.15pm – 7pm: Canapés and welcome drinks; 7pm: Event commences
10.30pm: Event wraps up
Dress Code – Dress to impress, but don’t stress.
Where: Southward Car Museum, Paraparaumu
Why: A fundraising event for Mary Potter Hospice to help renovate the Kāpiti Community Base.
After 30 years the building is no longer fit for purpose. Patient numbers have increased significantly (the team cares for around 200 patients a year) and the team of staff and volunteers who are based in the building has grown to the point where some staff have been accommodated in a temporary porta cabin, and there are no ‘hot desk’ facilities for staff visiting from other teams.
Local architect John Tocker has been working pro bono on a cost effective solution that the Hospice now wish to implement and ensure that they can get at least another 10 years out of the current building as they continue to support the people of the Kāpiti Coast at the end of their lives.
Tickets: https://hospice-gala-dinner-2025.raiselysite.com/
