Auckland ratepayers are up for a $500,000 legal bill to defend a court case brought by the city's Westpac rescue helicopter service.

Alice Mooney saw the horse rear and then watched as it fell towards her and slammed her into the ground.

Martin lies in agony, his clavicle broken and three fingers mangled beyond recognition. He has no idea what is about to happen.

Waiheke Island residents have rallied to help the Auckland rescue helicopter service which made 265 trips there last year and needs an all-weather landing pad.

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has an odd way of trying to persuade Auckland Council that it's down to its last can of aviation fuel, writes Brian Rudman.

Lying upside down with her scalp gashed open and an arm pinned under her friend's car, 15-year-old Zoe Hendriks came within minutes of not getting the help she so seriously needed.

Boaties will have their chance to beat one of the best in the business in an Auckland fundraising regatta.