A Trade Me Auction which went live this morning is aiming to help Kiwis keep safe at the beach over the summer.

As one of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's valued partners, Thrifty Car Rental has listed a brand new Toyota Highlander Limited ZR which has a recommended retail price of $80,990 on Trade Me.

To raise money for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, rental car company Thrifty is auctioning off a brand new Toyota Highlander Limited ZR valued at $80,990 on Trade Me. Photo: Thirfty/Trade Me

This is the second year Thrifty has run a car auction in an effort to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Once the auction's reserve has been met, all profits from the auction sale will be donated directly to Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Thrifty Car Rental NZ general manager Emma Gardiner says the company is pleased to once again be running this auction and helping to support our ‘heroes of the beach'.

'Last year's auction successfully helped raise much-needed funds for SLSNZ and we're delighted to be able to undertake the auction again,” says Emma.

'It's also our chance to proactively give back to the communities and customers we serve in a really meaningful way.”

SLSNZ chief executive officer Paul Dalton says he is grateful to Thrifty for undertaking the auction, adding his organisation is dependent on sponsors, partners and the general public to keep its lifeguards trained and on patrol.

'Over 1,300 people made it home safe and sound last summer thanks to the efforts of the country's surf lifeguards,” says Grant.

'We hope the auction will once again raise significant funds so our lifeguards are there for their communities when they're needed next summer.”

The premium 5 star ANCAP safety rated all-wheel drive vehicle comes in the winner's colour of choice and features a nine inch LCD entertainment screen, reversing monitor, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, sunroof, leather interiors and six-speed automatic transmission.

SLSNZ's principal partner State Insurance is also offering one year's free car insurance to the winner of the auction, while BP is providing a gift card valued at $260.

The auction is now live at: www.trade.me/Thrifty and closes on Wednesday, August 12, at 8pm.