JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Date: Monday 27th August 2007

Subject: Come on board Northland…the 2007 Electricity Rescue Helicopter Appeal is now on.

The 2007 Electricity Rescue Helicopter Appeal is now on.

Joint sponsors, Northpower and Top Energy have put down the challenge for Northlanders to come on board and once again support this world-class emergency rescue service.

Top Energy and Northpower have sponsored the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) and the Electricity Rescue Helicopter since 1987. Over these 19 years the two companies have helped to contribute $2.86 million to the service.

Top Energy Chief Executive, Roger de Bray says they continue to support the Electricity Rescue Helicopter because it provides a vital rescue service that saves hundreds of lives each year.

“Already this year 627 rescues have been carried out. Isolation is a major issue for Northland, particularly in some of the more remote Far North areas. There have been so many times when the only difference between life and death has been the Electricity Rescue Helicopter and it’s great to see that Northlanders continue to support it,” de Bray says.

The sponsors assist with the costs of the annual Appeal, which means every cent donated by the public goes directly to the Electricity Rescue Helicopter.

Northpower Marketing Manager, Darren Mason says the two sponsors will come to the party again this year and match public donations, dollar for dollar up to $150,000.

“The 2006 effort was outstanding, with a record $345,377 being raised as a result of the new dollar for dollar sponsorship. That was the largest amount ever raised during any public appeal for the Electricity Rescue Helicopter, so we will definitely do it again this year,” he says.

Mason says that in addition to the traditional donation forms sent out each year they have an alternative option for keen donors. People are now able to contribute via a text donation for the duration of the two and half month campaign which ends October 31st.

“In a push to get more people donating, we now have a texting option where people can text ‘Chopper’ to 4483 and $3 will automatically be transferred to the Appeal account,” he says.

“Northland has retained its vital helicopter rescue service because it is backed by the community, and we will continue to facilitate this to top last years fundraising achievement,” Mason says.

“When people donate more than $20 they could win one of two $1,000 credits on their power account. By donating $5 or more there is also the possibility of winning one of 30 rides in the Electricity Rescue Helicopter”, he adds.

NEST, receives no direct government funding and relies on the generosity of the Northland community to maintain its rescue service. The money raised from the Appeal goes towards the standing costs of the helicopter, such as pilots’ wages, insurance, interest on loans, and training.

People can complete and return the freepost official donation form, which is being delivered to Northland homes from this week, visit any ASB branch with their donation, or make an automatic $3 donation by texting from their mobile phone.

ENDS

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