Tech long lunch reborn to raise money for kids' lunches

The long lunch is making a comeback, with the 'Longest Lunch on the Shortest Day' planned to raise funds for Kiwi kids lunches.

Suzanne Hansen, who is organising the event which is raising funds for KidsCan NZ, says she's hoping to raise between $10,000-$15,000 through the medieval themed lunch, which is sponsored by Exeed.

She hopes other activities planned with Exeed will bring that amount up to $20,000.

"That's around 13,333 meals for kids in low decile schools," Hansen says.

"We don't have as much fun [in the IT industry] as we used to," she says. "This is a chance to get together for a good cause, tell lies and have some fun.

"And it's great to do something that means something locally," she adds.

As well as money raised via event tickets, there will be a silent auction, raffles and a 'chuck a chook'.

A cash bar after the function will also be used to raise additional funds.

The event is a throwback to the infamous Cisco Long Lunches, and Hansen says the inspiration for this particular event came after seeing a Campbell Live segment on the difference in between the lunches of children at decile eight or nine schools versus those at decile one or two schools.

"It was pretty sad," Hansen notes.

"So the purpose of this lunch is to fund lunches for kids.

Attendees at the June 19 lunch are encouraged to get into the spirit of things with medieval costume, 'Maid' Hansen says. And for those who don't arrive in theme, there will be hats available for purchase – with the funds going to KidsCan, of course.

Anyone wanting to attend the event can contact Hansen on shansen@vodafone.co.nz