Auction night for rescue chopper trust a sell-out again

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The Trust Tairawhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter “Auction Night” later this month at the Showgrounds Park Event Centre has once again sold out.

The 337 guests there last year raised a record $144,000 towards the $700,000 costs of running the vital rescue service each year.

It’s described as a “crucial” part of keeping the rescue chopper flying.

“We’ve had a terrible year, defined by major weather events and multiple states of emergency. but in the face of all that, our 2023 auction event has come together with incredible donations, auction items and support from our guests,” said EHRT chairman Patrick Willock.

“For that we are incredibly grateful.

“Each and every dollar raised goes to the Eastland Rescue Helicopter’s work in providing critical search, medical and emergency support in some of the most remote and hard-to-reach parts of our battered, but not broken region.”

The auction night is being held on September 22.