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Keven Mealamu, Kelly Brazier and Cory Jane brought the stories and the laughs with them, as The Tauranga Gala Dinner entertained a wide-reaching crowd for the sixth year.

Led by the knowledgeable and engaging Sky Sport commentator, Tony Johnson, who performed brilliantly as MC on Friday night, the panel offered a great mix of insights and inspiration, as well as many raucous stories that brought the house down.

Cory Jane in particular was the cause of many of the night's biggest laughs, as his stories of touring and team-mate banter were lapped up by an appreciative audience of almost 500.

The night also celebrated the growth of women's rugby, with Kelly Brazier giving a fascinating look into some of the highlights of the past few years with the Black Ferns.

"Added to Keven Mealamu's incredible warmth and his inspirational messages, the panel of speakers proved a popular lineup for this year's edition of the event," says the organisers of the event.

The Tauranga Gala Dinner also gives local charities the chance to raise funds each year via a charity auction, and the recipients on Friday were Te Aranui Youth Trust and the Tauranga Boys' College House of Rugby.

More than $47,000 was raised in the auction, overseen by local auctioneer Frank Vosper of Vosper Realty. Some of the biggest items to sell were a craft beer tour for $7000 and a specially designed kicking-tee collection, signed by the likes of Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett, which went for $6000.

Many of the attendees at the event were local businesses hosting staff and clients, with people from as far as Auckland, Rotorua, Whakatane and Wellington travelling through to enjoy the evening.

"All of the guest speakers remarked how engaged and attentive the crowd was, and were swamped at the end for photos and discussions with fans.

"Alongside the star speakers, wining and dining, and auction, guests were treated to superb music from Dan Sharp, who has just returned from recording an album in Berlin, as well as montage clips from the some of the guest speakers' playing highlights."