Kiwis raise $1.5m for rescue helicopter

Despite tough economic times, New Zealanders have set a record with donations to this year's Westpac Rescue Helicopter Appeal.

Almost $1.5 million was donated, and organisers of the appeal say every cent will go to the 16 rescue helicopter trusts nationwide.

Rescue helicopters undertook almost 5,000 missions last year, each costing thousands of dollars.

- NEWSTALK ZB