**Tim Aurisch with his 1956 Chevy two-door Bel Air. Photo: Dan Hutchinson**

Nearly 130 classic Chevrolets from across New Zealand will converge on Taupō Primary School on Sunday, March 15 for what organisers say will be the country's largest gathering of Tri-Five Chevys—1955, 1956 and 1957 models.

Organised by car enthusiasts Willy Pelzers from Whanganui and Tim Aurisch from Taupō, the event will raise funds for the New Zealand Child Cancer Foundation. Entry to the Sunday car show, open to the public from 9.30am–2pmwill be by donation.

"We decided to organise anational event, a national gathering for them incorporating the charity show at Taupō Primary School, "Willy says.

The school has several students dealing with cancer, making it a fitting venue for the fundraiser.

Cars are travelling from as far as Queenstown, and from north of Whangārei. Two visitors from America and the president of the Tri-Five Club in Australia will attend, with Australian members planning to bring cars to next year's event.

"It'll be the biggest collection of Tri-Fives ever in the country in one place, "Willy says.

On Saturday drivers and cars head off on a scenic drive around Mount Ruapehu, including a lunch stop at the King's Hotel in Waiouru where locals can view the vehicles. All proceeds from that event will also benefit child cancer research.

Will, who organised a similar American pickup show in Taupō in 2014 that raised $7,000forthe Cancer Society, says his daughter's cancer battle inspired his charitable work. She has since recovered.

"My daughter suffered from cancer. Luckily, she's good now.”

Aurisch has owned his 1956 Chevy two-door Bel Air since 1988, purchasing it a week after his daughter was born. When his wife questioned the timing, he promised it would serve as their daughter's wedding car.

"She's held me to it and my daughter hasn't married yet,” Aurisch says.

The organising committee, consisting of just four Taupō members, has recruited volunteers from across New Zealand and Australia to help manage the event. Aurisch's two brothersare travelling from Australia specifically to assist. "It is only a very small group that has organised this," Aurisch says.

"We've had to call in family and friends from overseas."

"Normally we would take over a year to organise something like this, but we decided to jump in and do it, "Willy says.

Public entry to the car show will be available from several gates around the Taupō Primary School field.