MEDIA RELEASE
23 December 2004
You Can Have Your Plate and Eat It Too
Christmas is rapidly approaching and the Auckland City Mission is gearing-up to deliver the "mother of all Christmas
Dinners'. On Saturday from 11am, the Auckland Town Hall will become the venue for the largest Christmas Dinner anywhere
in New Zealand. "With over 1,200 guests expected to attend, this is a huge logistical feat and the culmination of our
Christmas Appeal," explains Ms Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner.
It will be "greener' Christmas this year, with the Mission using environmentally friendly edible plates. The plates, a
great example of Kiwi ingenuity are based not on traditional plastics but the humble potato. Friendlypak distributes an
entire range of durable table-wear products made from potato starch. They are 100% bio-degradable, tough enough for all
but the hottest food and come in a variety of funky colours. They even taste good - "similar to compressed mashed
potato' according to one taster. "This year, people attending the Christmas Dinner will actually be able to have their
plate and eat it," jokes Ms Robertson.
The Town Hall may be the venue for the Dinner but the operation encompasses many sites across Auckland and a small army
of volunteers. The Auckland City Hospital, the Edge and others are providing kitchen facilities; 400 volunteers will be
involved in setting up the tables and decorations, cooking and serving the Dinner and together with Mission staff will
spend the day making sure that everyone has a great time. There will be clowns and magicians, Mr and Mrs Claus, great
food and top entertainment. Entertainers include Jason Kerrison, the lead singer of Kiwi band "Op Shop' and Graham
Brazier founding member of iconic Kiwi band "Hello Sailor'; who have generously given up their holiday to support the
Missions Christmas Appeal.
"The Christmas Dinner really typifies the Kiwi spirit with everyone pitching in to help. It is great to see and reminds
us that Christmas is about giving and sharing. For me there are few images that better capture the spirit of Christmas
than a child's face as they open their presents. We expect over 600 children at the Dinner, and each will get a present
from Santa, be entertained by clowns, magicians, and musicians, and even be able to eat their plates. It is important to
remember that these are children living in poverty; for whom Christmas would not have happened but for the work of the
Mission and the support of Aucklanders," concludes Ms Robertson.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner
Ph 09 379 2395 or 027 481 9989
For media assistance, please contact:
Charlton James, Fundraiser
Ph 09 379 2395
About Auckland City Mission
The Auckland City Mission has been working with marginalised people for over 80 years. Services include an inner-city
drop-in centre, crisis care and emergency relief, an emergency food programme, drug and alcohol services, housing
support, and a residential service for those living with HIV and AIDS. The Auckland City Mission's Food-Link programme
also distributes food to over 75 other community support organizations from Mercer to Cape Reinga.
Notes to Editors
Interviews & photo opportunities can be arranged:
„X Pre-Christmas at the Mission, e.g. families receiving food parcels & Christmas presents
„X Set-up at the Town Hall Friday 24 December between 10am and 3pm
„X Cooking Christmas Dinner at the EDGE from 25 December 7am onwards
o Chef available for interviews
o City Missioner available for interviews
„X Christmas morning
o Volunteers at Town Hall from 8.30am onwards
o Celebrities offering time on Christmas day
„X Christmas Dinner guests
„X Ms Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner will be available for interviews during the day
CHRISTMAS DINNER 2004
SATURDAY 25TH DECEMBER
AUCKLAND TOWN HALL
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE & ARRIVAL TIMES
BJ & magician circulate outside until the doors open. Serena Stevenson circulates taking pictures.
11.15 - 11.30 Doors open
11.15 - 11.40 Dave Brookes plays organ in the Great Hall
Joe McDermott performs in the Concert Chamber
BJ & magician circulate inside until lunch is served. Serena Stevenson circulates taking pictures.
11.45 - 12.00 Jason Kerrison (Op Shop) performs in the Great Hall
Acoustic Styles perform in Concert Chamber
12.05 - 12.20 Graham Brazier performs in the Great Hall
Joe McDermott in the Concert Chamber
12.25 - 12.30 Diane says a few words, Bishop Paterson says Grace in the Great Hall and Concert Chamber (may be a second
religious figure for Concert Chamber)
12.30 Diane and Bishop Paterson cut the Christmas cake
12.30 Lunch is served
Acoustic Styles plays in Concert Chamber
13.15 Santa & Mrs. Claus arrives, presents handed out
13.45 (approx) Event finishes
Arrival Times at Stage Door
The Edge sound technician 10.00am
BJ and magician 10.30am
Dave Brookes 11.00am
Serena Stevenson (photographer) 11.00am
Jason Kerrison 11.15am
Acoustic Styles 11.15am
Graham Brazier 11.40am
Bishop John Paterson 12.15pm
AUCKLAND CITY MISSION
CHRISTMAS DINNER 2004
Menu
Chips, crackers and lollies
Ham with pineapple and mustard glaze
Roast turkey with tarragon and cranberry gravy
Roast potatoes
Roast kumara
Baby glazed carrots
Sliced green beans
Christmas pudding and trifle
Christmas cake
Ingredients for Lunch
- 200kg ham,
- 200kg turkey
- 250kg potatoes,
- 220kg kumara
- 100kg green beans,
- 50kg carrots
- 90 litres of tarragon and cranberry gravy
- 8 trifle sponges
- 60 litres of strawberry jelly
- 50 litres of custard
- 1,200 Christmas puddings
- 200 litres of ice cream