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Kidney Kids Gala – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. What is the Play as One: Kidney Kids Gala?
The Kidney Kids Gala is a fundraising and awareness event organised to support Kidney Kids NZ and their whānau affected by kidney disease or urinary tract conditions. The evening includes premium live entertainment, a panel “in-conversation,” a 3-course meal, and fundraising activations.

2. When and where is the Gala being held?

  • Date & Time: Thursday, March 12 2026 from 6:30pm - 11pm.

  • Venue: New Zealand International Convention Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau.

  • The event will host approximately 400 guests. 

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3. What is the fundraising target?
The Gala aims to raise $200,000 to support children living with kidney disease. 


4. Who is eligible to attend?
Anyone who wishes to support Kidney Kids NZ—donors, supporters, health professionals, families in the renal community, and the general public. To attend the event, you must purchase a table of 10. Note: tickets are limited to a maximum of 400 people.


5. How do I purchase tickets?

  • Tickets for tables can be secured via the “Buy Tickets / Secure Your Table” option on the Gala website.

  • Only table sales are available for purchase. Tables are for 10 people. 

  • Because seating is limited to 400 maximum people, we recommend you purchase your tables early.

  • For individual tickets please contact us directly. See contact details below.

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6. What is included with my ticket?
Your ticket includes:

  • Entry to the Gala evening

  • Dinner (a 3-course meal) and beverages

  • Live entertainment

  • The “in-conversation” panel session

  • Access to auctions, raffles and other fundraising activations

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7. Can I get a refund or transfer my ticket?

If you are no longer able to attend the Gala, you may transfer your table purchase. Please contact us to make those arrangements. Unfortunately we are not able to refund table purchases after 1 February 2026. 


9. How will funds raised be used?
Funds raised at the event will support Kidney Kids NZ’s services and programmes nationwide, offering support, education, advocacy, and care to children and families with kidney disease. 


10. Can I sponsor the Gala or donate in other ways?
Yes. There are sponsorship opportunities and you can also donate via the Kidney Kids NZ “Donate” link. 
Contact the Event & Sponsorship Manager (see contact below) to explore sponsorship tiers or in‑kind contributions.


11. I can’t attend. Can I still support?
Yes. You can:

  • Make a direct donation via the “Donate” link on the website Kidney Kids Gala NZ

  • Contribute auction or raffle items

  • Sponsor parts of the event

  • Help promote and share the Gala with your networks

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12. Dress code / etiquette
Dress code is black-tie.
Guests should arrive on time and follow event directions from our staff/organisers.


13. Parking, transport, and accessibility
NZICC has over 1000+ car parks available for guests.

Other options include nearby public carparks (e.g. Civic Car Park / Victoria Street Car Park).

Consider public transport if possible, the NZICC is in the CBD close to Hobson Street, near many bus/train/ferry options. 

Arrive early to allow time for parking and walking to the venue.

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14. Dietary requirements / special requests

Pre-registered dietaries will be collected from guests and are due no later than 1 March 2026. We are able to cater for vegan, vegetarian, halal, and all allergies. Please note we cannot cater for specific lifestyle diets.


15. Auction, raffle, and prizes
The event includes auction(s) and raffle(s) as part of fundraising.
Winners do not need to be present and contacted afterward.

Those winners on site will be asked to head to our payments desk to process the auction/raffle win where applicable.
Specific terms of redeeming/collection/delivery of prizes will be noted in the event programme.


16. Can I volunteer at the Gala?
Yes! We’re looking for volunteers to help with guest check-in, seating, auction support, setup, and general event assistance. If you’d like to be part of a great cause and an unforgettable evening, email us at admin@kidneykids.org.nz with the subject “Gala Volunteer.”


17. Who are the organisers / contact information?

  • Contact phone: 021 025 24792 

  • Email: shannon@kidneykids.org.nz 

  • Address: Level 2, 7 Falcon Street, Parnell, Auckland 1052 

  • Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm 

  • Key team members:
     • Ian Potter, CEO, Kidney Kids NZ
     • Shannon Bint‑Popplewell, Events & Sponsorship Manager, Kidney Kids NZ
     • Justine McKay, Event Production, Kidney Kids Gala NZ

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18. What are the Gala’s values and vision?
The Gala (and Kidney Kids NZ) emphasises the values of Compassion, Integrity, Empowerment, Collaboration, and Advocacy. Kidney Kids Gala NZ. The Gala is intended to celebrate community, connection, and the impact of giving back.

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