Public support needed for chopper crews after a record year of rescues

09 May, 2022

New Zealanders are being urged to give generously this Chopper Appeal Month following a record-breaking year for rescue helicopters.

More than 9500 missions were flown nationwide last year, including 1289 missions in the Northland region.

Westpac staff around the country have been out and about raising funds for their local rescue helicopter service in the annual fundraising street appeal.

Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath says the rescue helicopter crews are working harder than ever to save lives.

“Accident and illness can affect any of us at any time,” she says. “Knowing help could be only minutes away even in some of our most remote locations is so important in a country as diverse as ours. And when we've learned over the last couple of years that we can live, work and explore from almost anywhere, knowing the chopper crews are there for you when you need them is so important.

“We know that living is getting more expensive, so every dollar donated is incredibly appreciated. All money donated in your region goes straight to your local chopper service, so you know that your donation is supporting your community.”

Northland Emergency Services Trust chief executive Craig Gibbons says the public’s generosity has helped the Trust keep improving the capabilities of its aircraft and crew.

“It’s great to see people out exploring our own beautiful country at every opportunity, but it does mean we’ve seen an increase in people needing our assistance,” Mr Gibbons says. “We rely on donations from the public to keep our Northland Rescue Helicopters in the sky, and we’re hugely grateful for everyone who’s able to donate over the month of May.”

One Northland woman has the quick response of emergency services to thank for still being here today, after she accidentally disturbed a wasp nest while clearing bush on her lifestyle block.

When paramedics arrived, adrenaline was urgently administered as a Northland Rescue Helicopter headed to the property. At Whangarei Hospital 13 live wasps were found on her head and a handful more in her socks were still stinging her legs. In the weeks that followed, she contended with chronic itching and acute tenderness.

But she has lived to enjoy time with her children, grandchildren, friends and whanau, and is forever grateful for the care she received that day – from her life-saving daughter to all of Northland’s passionate and caring emergency services personnel.

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal, as well as distributing all funds raised back to donors’ local rescue helicopter trust.

n Make a donation or find out more at chopperappeal.co.nz

All money donated in your region goes straight to your local chopper service, so you know your donation is supporting your community. PHOTO/SUPPLIED