The annual appeal is held every May and last year resulted in a $12,109 donation to EHRT for its work in supporting the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter.

This year the local donation was $15,580 — nearly 29 percent more than in 2023 – in an upswing of support recorded around the country.

In total, New Zealanders raised $1.44m for the national network of rescue helicopters.

“The amount raised by New Zealand communities, despite cost of living challenges, shows the generosity of New Zealanders and how much we all value our chopper crews,” says Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath.

As well as sponsoring rescue helicopters in other regions, Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal and distributes funds back to rescue helicopter trusts.

Raised largely through a combination of in-bank efforts, street appeals and the Rock The Chopper fundraising gig, the local effort was co-ordinated by Westpac Gisborne banking specialist Nadia Dal Col (pictured).

“What’s important is that while Westpac is an international bank, this annual fundraiser is entirely local,” she says.

“All funds raised go to the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust to support the work of the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter across the wider Gisborne region.”

Ms McGrath says the annual appeal highlights the importance of the helicopter network that ensures critical medical and rescue help is never far away, even in the most remote locations.

“We’ve heard from patients that when you’re in need of a lifesaving medical transfer, or stuck in the wilderness, the sound of the helicopter approaching is the most wonderful sound of all.”

The bank’s connection with the sector goes back over 40 years and staff around the country are passionate about working with locals to raise funds to help keep their communities safe, Ms McGrath says.

“Every dollar remains in the region it was raised and goes to your local helicopter trust, helping keep the rescue helicopter network flying 365 days a year.”