The son of the late Mt Everest climber, Sir Edmund Hillary, will take pupils around Lake Alta. He will share his personal stories of climbing the highest peak in the world and trekking to the South Pole, and launch the school's garden project during the day.
He will be guest speaker and presenter at the Glittering Peaks function in the evening, which is shaping up to be an event to remember, principal Debbie Dickson said.
More than 100 guests are expected and will be greeted with a welcome drink on arrival. Wakatipu businesses are providing canapes and ongoing food platters throughout the night. The school hall will be decorated with a snow and ice theme and a cash bar will be open.
The community has supported the school with about $30,000 worth of items donated for auction. Items include an Argentine football shirt signed by Diego Maradona and a Lance Armstrong collector's piece. A motivational sketch from All Black captain Ritchie McCaw, children's water toys, power tools and camping equipment are other items on the block.
The live auction will be conducted by master of ceremonies and professional auctioneer Richard Stringer. There will also be a silent auction, a performance by comedian Mike Legge and dancing to live music by Queenstown band Groova.
Glittering Peaks is the new primary school's first fundraiser and aims to meet the $45,000 cost of sunshades and additional resources.
"Our school is continuing to grow, with our roll set to more than double over 2011 with the introduction of years 5 and 6 and an increase in the number of new entrants," Mrs Dickson said.
Two-thirds of the tickets had sold by yesterday and door sales would not be available. There will be a capacity of 198 patrons in the school hall.
• Tickets cost $50 per person from ASB Remarkables Park. Doors open at 7pm.
