Kiwi Pop Star on NZ's Craziest Road Trip
** Erika Takacs joins Caltex on this year's Variety Bash
NEW ZEALAND, It's going to be true bliss when aspiring young performers and children meet NZ singer-turned-television
presenter Erika Takacs on Tuesday 16 March, as she convoys with Caltex from Christchurch to Methven on the second and
third day of the annual Variety Bash.
Travelling in Caltex's distinctive bright red Pump truck, Takacs will join Caltex employees and other Variety
participants in visiting schools and organisations to help raise funds for NZ children.
"I'm really pleased to be representing Caltex on the Bash as I love putting a smile on people's faces," says Takacs.
"It's incredibly satisfying working with children and even more so with the Bash because of its ability to raise
significant funds during the week."
Staff and students from Akaroa Area and Little River schools will be one of the first to meet Takacs and other
celebrities including Suzy Cato, Anthony Ray Parker, Dion Nash and Matai Smith when the Bash stops at their school on
Tuesday morning.
During the visits, Takacs and Caltex will present the schools, Akaroa Golf Club and Akaroa Toy Library with a Variety
grant to purchase new equipment and services. The four represent one of many schools and organisations selected by
Variety to receive a grant during Bash week.
The Bash's next stop will be Burnham Military Camp, where Caltex will treat children to scenic helicopter trips and
Caltex Pump truck rides. Takacs, who will be dressed military-style, will form an alliance with Burnham Camp head,
Commander Richard Rhys Jones, to monitor activity and ensure an optimum level of 'fun' is sustained throughout the day.
Caltex's red Pump truck will be one of more than 50 highly decorated vehicles travelling from 14 to 20 March as part of
the 14th annual Variety Bash.
Starting in Christchurch, the Bash will weave its way through Akaroa, Ashburton, Methven, Greymouth, Westport, Reefton,
Hanmer Springs, Molesworth Station and Blenheim before ending its journey in Nelson.
Residents of Hurunui are invited to show their support for Variety at the 'Gold Coin Car Wash' charity on Thursday 18
March at Caltex Hanmer Springs. From 5-6pm, the Caltex Variety crew will soap and wash cars for a small donation. The
event kicks off with local councillor Don McLay's Toyota Camry receiving the first wash.