October is NBS Rescue Helicopter Appeal month

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter is ready for an exciting month of community support as they kickstart their annual fundraising appeal month.

The service, which plays a crucial role in saving lives across the top of the South Island, relies on the generosity of the public to remain in operation, as government funding falls short of annual requirements.

Operating across Te Tau Ihu, from just north of Westport and east of the Clarence River, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter is a lifeline for those in distress. With at least one mission a day and sometimes up to seven, the helicopter team provides invaluable assistance during medical emergencies, accidents, search and rescue missions and more. 

Key to the success of this fundraising endeavour is the support of NBS. For the past seven years, we have stood by the side of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter, providing essential financial support and actively participating in the appeal month.

Tony Cadigan, Chief Executive, NBS says:

By supporting this essential service, we are ensuring that our region has access to the highest level of emergency medical care when it matters most.”

This year sees the return of the #NBS10for10 push up challenge, with the addition of fundraising activities happening in the six NBS branches that are in the rescue helicopter’s operational area.

In the Nelson Branch members of the public can take part in a wheelbarrow raffle and join the Tasman Mako for a sausage sizzle. The Richmond Branch are hosting quiz nights at the Sprig and Fern in Upper Queen Street, the Motueka Branch are hosting a bingo night at the Beached Whale, Kaiteriteri at the end of month and the Tākaka Branch are selling firewood for the cause and running sausage sizzles during the appeal.

Tony continues: “I encourage everyone to do their bit whether large or small so that we can raise vital funds for the Trust.”

But we're not alone in this remarkable show of community support. Local businesses from Salvito's Pizza and Mitre 10 MEGA in Nelson, through to the Hampden Hotel in Murchison, are joining hands to make this year's appeal month a success. These businesses are hosting fundraising events or generously donating a percentage of their sales to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, ensuring that the vital service continues to thrive.

Nelson KIA, another steadfast supporter of the Helicopter Trust, is taking their involvement to new heights; celebrating their 10^th anniversary by aiming to raise $10,000 through donating a portion of each sale during the month of October. These fundraising initiatives will make a significant impact to the ongoing operations of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. 

As the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter embarks on its fundraising journey, they express their deepest gratitude to NBS, local businesses, and community members for their unwavering commitment to saving lives in our region. Paula Muddle, GM Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust says: “With your support, we can keep the rescue helicopter in the sky, ready to respond to emergencies and provide critical care when it's needed most.” 

To get involved in this year's fundraising efforts, follow the appeal on social media - @nbshelicopterappeal, participate in the #10for10 challenge, donate via nbshelicopterappeal.nz and at any of NBS’ branches, or visit and support local participating businesses to make a purchase. All participating businesses can be found on the appeal website: nbshelicopterappeal.nz.