Northland Rescue Helicopter appeal starts

The Northland Rescue Helicopter flies around 1000 missions a year.

Northland Rescue Helicopters fly around 1000 missions a year, with most of them providing life-saving services to the public.

But running the operation is not cheap and it relies on public funding to help keep the service in the air.

The annual fundraising appeal for the Northland Rescue Helicopter service has launched with Northland electricity lines companies Northpower and Top Energy keen to match public donations dollar for dollar up to $200,000.

The 2019 appeal raised just under $250,000 and general manager of the service, Vanessa Furze, is hoping to raise a similar amount again in 2020.

"It's been a challenging year for us all and to top it off, we are tracking for our busiest year on record which will see us fly close to 1000 missions this year," Furze said.

"As our mission numbers increase, our operational costs grow higher, so we rely on donations from members of the public."

The crews responded to 85 calls in August alone, and 2020 is on track to last year's tally, with 683 rescue missions to the end of September, compared to 640 at the same time last year.

Northpower CEO Andrew McLeod said the annual fundraising campaign was a good reminder of how important the Northland Rescue Helicopter service is to the Northland community.

"It is very reassuring to know that we have a world class air ambulance service right here on our doorstep, ready to save lives 24/7.

"We see and hear the choppers all the time and everyone knows someone who has been helped by the service. That's why we are such passionate supporters because they are a lifeline for us all - and not just for Northlanders but for visitors to our region."

His sentiments are echoed by Russell Shaw – Top Energy's CEO.

"Like Northpower, Top Energy has sponsored the service since day one back in 1988 and I have experienced many occasions where it has helped our staff, friends and family," Shaw said.

"With the expanse of rural land and coastline that is Northland, it really is critical we have this service to get people to a place of safety with speed. Getting to people in the golden hour really does save lives."

The appeal will be supported by a number of community fundraisers, along with an all-day breakfast show on More FM Northland when John, Flash and Toast will go back into lockdown for 12 hours.

The 2020 fundraising appeal finishes in mid-December. People can follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/northland.rescuehelicopter