First National New Zealand: Conference and Charity Auction this weekend

Several hundred First National delegates will be gathering in Wellington this weekend to mark their 24th Annual Convention called ‘Growth 2010’ and present their annual industry awards.

A charity auction featuring valuable sporting and cultural memorabilia will be a highlight on Sunday night raising funds for the Group’s new charitable arm, the First National Foundation.

First National Group (NZ)’s Australian partners will be represented by First National Australia chief executive Ray Ellis, marketing manager Jason Verstak and chairman David Hamilton.

Growth 2010, from 11am Sunday May 9 to Tuesday May 11 will be packed with keynote speakers, workshops and an awards ceremony noting the accomplishments achieved by First National offices and staff this year.

Internationally known keynote speakers include Ngahi Bidois, Bill James and Rob Hamill.

Ngahi Bidois is an inspiring international speaker based in Rotorua, New Zealand. Mr. Bidois shows audiences how to take the ancient wisdom he has gained from his Maori culture and apply it in our modern business world.

Bill James, also a New Zealander is known for his focus on ‘the smart business maker.’ Highly sought after keynote speaker and trainer of referral systems, James works with companies to inspire change and equips them with the tools to do so.

Rowing icon Rob Hamill rounds out day three of Growth 2010. Having represented NZ in the sport for 16 years, he will share his inspiring story of motivation and adventure on Tuesday morning.

Auction items to be sold on behalf of the First National Foundation include a vintage wine, a U2 Fender Electric Guitar signed by the band members, a Formula One steering wheel hand-signed by Lewis Hamilton, racing glove signed by Australia’s #1 Formula One driver Mark Webber, an original Michael Jackson Thriller LP and signature items autographed by Sir Bob Charles, Johnny Depp, architect Frank Gehry, Roger Federer, Scott Dixon and Andre Rieu and more.

The First National Charity Auction will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel. Members of the public interested in bidding are encouraged to register their interest by calling John Stewart on (027) 222 2756 or Lindsay Roberts on (027) 227 1183.

For more information or to arrange a photo opportunity please contact

John Stewart
First National General Manager
(027) 222 2756

or Fleur Robinson
PR consultant
Tactic Communications Ltd
(0274) 661 777