New Zealanders have raised $1.44m for the national network of rescue helicopters, in a record-breaking year for the Westpac Chopper Appeal.

The total is the highest in the annual appeal’s history and includes $72,930 raised in the Bay of Plenty region for the Philips Search & Rescue Trust.

Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath is thankful to everyone who has contributed in some way or form to directly support the chopper’s life-saving services.

“The amount raised by New Zealand communities, despite cost of living challenges, shows the generosity of New Zealanders and how much we all value our chopper crews.

“Whether you’ve donated the spare change in your pocket to a collector on Chopper Street Appeal day, cycled the 235km from Invercargill to Queenstown in the Westpac Chopper Bike ride, or taken part in a bake sale, quiz night or auction event, a huge thank you.

“Every dollar remains in the region it was raised and goes to your local helicopter trust, helping keep the rescue helicopter network flying 365 days a year.

“Our connection with the rescue helicopters goes back over 40 years, and our staff around the country are passionate about working with locals to raise funds to help keep their communities safe.”

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Fundraising drives by Westpac employees included:

-The Million Dollar Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill, featuring renowned broadcaster Patrick Gower, Westpac Ambassador and All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, Black Sticks champion Gemma McCaw, Olympic gold medal rower Nathan Cohen and local rescue helicopter crews, raised $150,601;

-Bucket collectors on Street Appeal Day all around the country raised $97,887.

-Westpac Matamata Branch quiz night raised $34,305;

“No matter where you are in the country, the rescue helicopter network means critical medical and rescue help is never far away, even in the most remote locations.

“We’ve heard from patients that when you’re in need of a lifesaving medical transfer, or stuck in the wilderness, the sound of the helicopter approaching is the most wonderful sound of all.”

As well as sponsoring the rescue helicopters, Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal and distributes all funds raised back to donors’ local rescue helicopter trust.

Donations to Chopper Appeal are accepted all year round. More information and rescue stories can be found at www.chopperappeal.co.nz.

- SunLive