Mau to MC gay fundraiser

Television star and Fair Go presenter Alison Mau will be the MC at an annual gay fundraiser.

The Gay Auckland Business Association’s (GABA) Gold Charity Auction evening will raise money for health, welfare and support services for the gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The event will also provide a scholarship for a New Zealander’s first year of full-time study at a tertiary institution.

Mau, who will be involved in the event for the first time, says she is “delighted” to part of the experience.

“We all know how hard it is to fund these kinds of services and how a lot of students can’t afford to pursue their dreams and go on to study at a tertiary level, so it’s great to be part of an event like this,” she said.

Mau had two children with former husband and One News frontman Simon Dallow before going public with girlfriend Karleen Edmonds in late 2010.

Speaking publicly about her dance instructor partner last year, Mau says she had “fallen in love with a wonderful woman".

Up for grabs at the auction will be a two-night stay at the Heritage Hotel in the Bay of Islands and use of an Alfa Giulietta for the weekened, valued at $1800. Other prizes to be won include dinner with MP Maryan Street, a cameo on television series Shortland Street and ownership of a Hyundai Santa Fe for two weeks.

The event will be held on November 6 at the Grand Ballroom in Auckland's Langham Hotel.