2016 Northland Rescue Chopper appeal on now
Now, more than any other time in the services’ history, Northland’s Rescue Helicopters need help in the form of public
donations, as the annual fundraising appeal launches today.
After saving many thousands of lives and completing more than 19,000 flights since 1988, the Northland air ambulance
operation continues to be one of the busiest in New Zealand, over some of the country’s most rugged terrain.
And with an annual funding shortfall of $1.4m - which is made up of contributions from sponsorships, the Northland
Regional Council and public donations - the 2016 fundraising campaign is crucial to the service. The two-month long
appeal remains critical to funding the hundreds of life saving flights for Northlanders and visitors to the region every
year.
For every dollar raised by public donations in this year’s Northland Rescue Helicopter appeal, the two principal
sponsors Northpower and Top Energy, will match the figure dollar for dollar up to $150,000.
The consumer owned Northland electricity lines companies have supported the service since its inception in 1988 and have
helped it raise millions of dollars since.
Northland’s Rescue Helicopter annual fundraising appeal has an ultimate target of well over $200,000.
Northpower Public Affairs Manager Steve Macmillan says the 2016 campaign focuses on many of the parts of our community
where the Northland Rescue Helicopters are so critical - forestry, farming, children, water-sports and our Northland
roads.
“This service is crucial to Northland and we can all make a difference by donating what we can. The consistent theme we
hear from those who have been rescued is that they never thought it would be them in need. This appeal is a great
opportunity to help others out in our community.”
Already in 2016 Northland’s Rescue Helicopters have completed more than 550 flights, with hundreds more expected before
year end. The average cost per call-out is around $6800, while a return flight from Whangarei to Kaitaia alone costs
more than $6600.
Rescue flight recipient Gillian Archer says the service is a must for the rugged Northland region, and one that the
region could not go without.
“It is the most amazing service, so professional. The pilots and crew operate it as a well-oiled machine that helps in
any situation,” she says.
Donate today at any ASB or at nest.org.nz and help our life-saving Northland Rescue Helicopters help you. Follow the
2016 fundraising campaign on facebook/northland.rescuehelicopter.
ENDS