$184,000 for helicopter

Aucklanders raised $184,831 during the Westpac Chopper Appeal that ran throughout May, sparking hopes within the air rescue service that it will be granted more permanent local government funding.

A private bill expected to be introduced into Parliament next month could see the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and 10 other local organisations granted funding from rates.

Trust chief executive Rea Wikaira said he hoped the generosity shown sent a clear signal to local government.

Nationally, the Westpac Chopper Appeal raised a record $771,364.