As fun a day out as it is, the main reason behind the Pukehina Surf ‘n’ Sand Autorama is fundraising for the local community.

Recently, the money raised at this year’s show in March was handed out to five organisations – with each receiving $7000. Originally, the Surf ‘n’ Sand Autorama was started to fundraise for Pukehina Beach Surf Rescue and Pukehina Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Those two organisations benefited again this time, but also receiving $7000 each were Pukehina Fishing Club, Inspire Kindergarten Ōtamarākau and Youth Encounter.

Trustee Kirsty Garrett said it was always nice to be part of the handing over of the funds, but that the money distribution would not be possible without the “huge number” of people who make the event happen. “A big thank you to all of them,” Garrett said.

The trust would soon be looking for expressions of interest from local groups and organisations who would like to be considered as recipients of funds from the 2026 event.

The best way to find out more is to keep an eye on the event Facebook page. The event combines a vehicle show with a market and entertainment – and while the basic format won’t change, tweaks had been made each year it had been held.

Started in 2020, the event bounced back after a Covid-19-enforced cancellation and had beaten floods to go from strength to strength.

The 2023 edition had to be moved to Pukehina School due to its previous home, Midway Park, being waterlogged and unusable after the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle and it had been held at the school ever since.