With the annual Westpac Chopper Appeal in full swing throughout May, community support for the rescue helicopters has been nothing short of remarkable. One standout event was the Morrinsville Westpac Auction & Quiz Night, held on Saturday, 18 April.

Now in its fourth year, the event has continued to grow in scale and impact. This year was its most successful yet, with the community raising an incredible $54,000 for their local rescue helicopter, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Across its four-year history, the event has now contributed an extraordinary $170,000 to this life-saving service. Bringing together the rural Waikato community, the night celebrated the critical work the rescue helicopter provides across the Waikato, King Country, and Coromandel regions. Twentyone tables competed in lively quiz rounds, raffles, and auctions, creating an atmosphere that was both energetic and deeply supportive.

In 2025, the rescue helicopter crew responded to 114 rural and rescue missions out of a total of 745 missions - underscoring just how essential the service is for remote communities.

Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilot Andy joined the festivities, taking part in the quiz and a Q&A session after finishing a busy day shift that included three primary missions: a challenging winch rescue on Mt Pirongia and two remote medical emergencies in Oparau and Tairua.

His presence reinforced the strong connection between the crew and the communities they serve. He also shared a heartfelt thankyou with attendees, acknowledging that their generosity ensures that “a moment that could have been the end for someone… becomes the beginning of everything that follows.”

Sharni Weir, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Philips Search and Rescue Trust – the charity responsible for fundraising for the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter – emphasised the importance of this relationship, noting that it is the dedication of supporters that enables crews to “protect a lifetime of moments - not only saving someone in a critical instant, but safeguarding every life milestone that follows for them and their family.”

A heartfelt thank you to all attendees, local businesses, and individuals who generously donated raffle and auction items or sponsored the event. Special thanks also go to the Westpac Morrinsville team for their outstanding organisation. This remarkable total of $54,016.19 - along with over $2,000 in donations on the night, and a generous $1,000 contribution from CowManager - will make a significant difference in ensuring the rescue helicopter can continue carrying out its lifesaving missions.

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew are deeply grateful for your support in helping fund lifesaving missions. Your generosity keeps the aircraft flying and ensures crews can be there when every second counts. If you’re able, please consider donating via the link below or by attending a local Chopper Appeal event.

https://give.rescue.org.nz/event/waikato-westpac-rescue-helicopter/donate

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