Earlier this month, we had the privilege of hosting the beautiful Winter in Milan – Power of a Wish Luncheon at Akarana Event Centre, in support of Make-A-Wish New Zealand.
Set against stunning waterfront views, the luncheon brought together friends, partners, colleagues, and supporters for an unforgettable afternoon of fashion, connection, generosity, and inspiration — all in aid of helping grant life-changing wishes for critically ill Kiwi children.
The event showcased an incredible collaboration of New Zealand brands, with elegant runway presentations from Orsini Fine Jewellery, Sills + Co, Scarpa, and Crane Brothers, bringing timeless Italian-inspired style and craftsmanship to the afternoon.
Guests enjoyed a welcome drink followed by a beautifully curated three-course lunch, luxury raffles, silent auctions, and an atmosphere filled with warmth and generosity. Hosted by Michael Murphy, the luncheon was both stylish and deeply meaningful.
Most importantly, the event raised an incredible $60,000 for Make-A-Wish New Zealand — funds that will go directly towards creating unforgettable wishes and moments of joy for children and families across Aotearoa.
Our team was truly honoured to be part of such a special event. From the planning stages through to the final moments of the day, it was a pleasure working alongside the Make-A-Wish team, vendors, and supporters who helped bring the vision to life.
We are especially grateful for the kind feedback shared by the organisers following the luncheon, acknowledging both the professionalism and care of our events team, and the role our waterfront venue played in creating such a memorable experience.
At Akarana, we are proud to support events that bring people together for meaningful causes, and this was certainly one to remember.
To everyone who attended, donated, supported, modelled, volunteered, and contributed — thank you for helping make wishes come true.
Visit Make-A-Wish NZ for more information.
