- A Mount Maunganui unit sold for $695,000 to fund guide dog training through Blind Low Vision NZ.
- The late owner Amy bequeathed all proceeds to support training, care, and placement of guide dogs.
- Real estate services were donated, highlighting community support for the charity's work.
A dog lover’s dying wish came true when her Mount Maunganui unit sold at auction this week - and all the proceeds went to guide dogs in the region.
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Cheers erupted and hugs were dished out after the two-bedroom brick and tile unit sold for $695,000 following a three-way fight between phone bidders at the onsite auction on Tuesday afternoon.
More than a dozen people crowded into the backyard to watch the auction. Even a black guide dog called Vale, his puppy trainer Sue Van Os and representatives of Low Blind Vision New Zealand, which was the charity chosen to receive the donation, attended to show their support.
Vale the black labrador attended the Monowai Street auction, which he and his puppy peers will benefit from. Photo / Supplied
The auction opened at $600,000 and steadily rose in $10,000 and then $5000 increments, eventually selling after a total of 16 cbids. The property has an RV of $670,000 and last changed hands in December 2010 for $270,000, OneRoof records show.
Northern Group agent Lee Stringer said the turnout at the auction had been great. The successful buyer had been looking for a home in the area for some time and the fact that the proceeds from the sale were being donated to their charity of choice had "clinched" the deal.
"They are strong supporters of Blind Low Vision and guide dogs in particular... That was a strong driver for them."
The Monowai Street property was listed for sale earlier this month by the executor of the late owner Amy’s estate. In her will, Amy had bequeathed all the proceeds to Blind Low Vision New Zealand that would help fund the training, care and placement of more than a dozen pups in the Bay of Plenty region.
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The cost of training one guide dog is more than $50,000 and includes vet bills, food equipment and professional training so the funds raised would go towards training almost seven pups. A further $200,000 is needed to fund a working guide dog through its career for things such as vet bills and equipment.
In the listing for the property, the later owner’s friend described the donation as a “generous gift”.
“Amy’s thoughtful contribution ensures that her love for dogs continues to have a profound, lasting impact on both the animals and the people they serve.”
Blind Low Vision NZ’s Andrea Midgen said the charity was honoured that the proceeds of the auction had been generously bequeathed to the charity.
The two-bedroom unit was marketed as an entry-level property for Mount Maunganui. Photo / Boundless Vision
“Amy’s extraordinary generosity will leave an enduring impact on our community. Her gift ensures her love for animals will continue to change lives, offering freedom and connection to people who rely on guide dogs. We are deeply grateful for her vision and kindness. Her story is a powerful reminder of how a simple act of generosity can create lasting change."
Midgen said they would adhere to Amy's wish and direct the money towards helping more people in the Bay of Plenty gain greater confidence, independence, and companionship through the support of expertly trained guide dogs.
The charity did not receive any government funding for its guide dog services and relied on the generosity of New Zealanders. It has also been fortunate enough to receive substantial gifts in wills, which funded over a third of its services, she said.
Guide dog puppy raiser Sue Van Os with black labrador Vale at the auction. Photo / Supplied
The Northern Group also got behind the cause with all the Tauranga agents donating their time and services to the charity free of charge. Other real estate service providers such as the auctioneer Nigel Guyot, home staging firm Spacefully Yours, media company Boundless Vision and BCH Law also agreed to do the same.
Stringer said it had been a great auction and the executors of the estate were "so thrilled" with the outcome.
"To have four bidders [one didn't bid] at an auction is pretty rare. It was great actually."
The two-bedroom unit had been marketed as a good entry-level property for the popular beach town and had attracted both homeowners and investors.
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