Two years after it was last on offer the coveted fishing trip to Samoa will be back on the menu when this year’s Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust annual charity auction rolls around in September.
“It had been a big-ticket item on our auction list for a while but between the Covid-19 pandemic and the odd cyclone, we’ve not been able to put a new package on the block,” says EHRT chair Patrick Willock.
“But because we have finally been able to take the trip with our successful 2022 bidder, the way is now open for us to once again offer this fantastic package at this year’s auction.”
That 2022 bidder, Ben Holden, paid $21,500 for the prize and knew what kind of bang he was getting for his buck.
“Ben had bought the package in 2016 and again in 2017, each time sharing the trip with different people,” Patrick says.
“So it was great to finally get him and his friends to American Samoa where they enjoyed fantastic fishing, and a great time exploring the local sights.”
The fishing trip was established due to the contacts Patrick, a keen fisherman, had made in Samoa over the years.
“It really is an incredible prize and one we have been able to offer for more than a decade due to the generosity of our sponsors,” says Patrick.
“All we contribute is the airfares – and we sometimes get a bit of a discount there, too – so it’s a big contributor to EHRT and our support of our region’s crucial Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter.”
In March, host Patrick and guests Ben, Andrew Holden, Matt Todd and Brett Thompson headed off for the “bucket-list” fishing trip that included all flights, accommodation at the renowned Sadie Thompson Inn, and two action-packed days on the water with Pago Pago Marine Charters.
Between them they caught Yellow Fin Tuna, Dog Tooth Tuna, Marlin and Mahi Mahi, some of which was prepared for them by chefs at local eateries.
“We had a bloody ball,” says Ben of the third time he had taken the trip. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
He has never had to use the rescue helicopter himself but recognises that, as a fencing contractor, that’s not off the table.
“I’m up on top of a hill in the middle of nowhere with a machine, so anything could happen,” he says.
“It’s fantastic to know they are there and I’ll be back at this year’s auction night with bells on.”
– The 17th annual Bayleys Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust Charity Auction will be held at the Farmers Air Event Centre (Showgrounds Park) on Friday, September 13, 2024. Tickets available from July.
CAPTION: Ben Holden and deck master SallyAsafo.