As Neville McKay and his team of Tauranga Auto Extravaganza helpers handed over their biggest cheque yet to Tauranga’s Hato Hone St John this month, the man in charge was already planning a bigger show for next year.

A whopping $11,000 was raised at the popular Tauranga Auto Extravaganza, which took place on March 2 this year at Mount Maunganui.

McKay spends the whole year organising the event, to raise as much money as he can for a cause close to his heart – Tauranga St John. And now residing in Hastings, he’s created a “sister show” there to help St John in Hawke’s Bay too.

“We really need St John,” said McKay. “We all need help from them at some point in time. And we need to get more funds to them so they can do their job.”

McKay said it’s important for people to know that the money raised at March 2’s Tauranga Auto Extravaganza has been given directly to Tauranga’s Hato Hone St John.

“I want people to know the money we raise Tauranga Auto Extravaganza stays in Tauranga – it doesn’t go into a bottomless pit somewhere else.”

McKay said a big thanks must go to all of the Tauranga show sponsors. “Because if it wasn’t for the sponsors we wouldn’t be able to have a show. Being a family event we make sure we have attractions for kids – and this all comes from the sponsors.”

McKay also wanted to mention the show is not a one-man band. “It’s not only me who puts on this show – it’s a team effort and I’m grateful for all the help and hard work put in by those behind the scenes with me.”

Hato Hone St John Tauranga area committee chair Vaughan Coy said Tauranga’s Auto Extravaganza is a much-loved event that attracts passionate locals “and we want to thank the team behind the event for its continued support and generosity”.

“This year, an amazing $11,000 was raised for Hato Hone St John, which will go towards staff welfare and supporting our community programmes within the Bay of Plenty region.”

After the donation get-together with St John at their 17th Avenue on May 8, McKay has revealed Tauranga’s 2026 show is on the move – to Mercury Baypark. “We have changed location, so the 2026 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza will be held at Baypark raceway. We can get so many things in there it’s not funny – and they wanted us there as well.

“It’s going to be great venue because everyone knows where it is, it’s a central location, there is heaps of parking, and it’s a venue that is tied up with cars as well.”

The 2026 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza at Mercury Baypark raceway will be on March 8 – “so watch this space!”