Warbirds Over Wānaka has teamed up with local helicopter operators to make a $6,000 donation to Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) following last Easter’s Wānaka airshow.

A total of 12 helicopters were part of a mass display at the March airshow and helicopter operators and individuals - including Alpine Helicopters, Wānaka Helicopters, Central South Island Helicopters, Bill Day, John Kokshoorn and Lloyd Ferguson - contributed to the donation.

Wānaka SAR president Raewyn Calhaem said she welcomed the financial boost.  

The volunteer-run organisation supports NZ Police and the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre with specialist search and rescue services.

It is one of the busiest SAR organisations in the country, averaging 55-65 operations in a busy year.

“Obviously helicopters are a crucial part of almost all of our local search and rescue operations so there’s a great synergy with this donation,” Raewyn said.

Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor said the mass helicopter display at Wānaka is enjoyed by everyone at the airshow.  

“It’s not every day you have the sky filled with so many different types of helicopters showing off their unique flying skills,” he said.

“It’s also a nod to the integral part helicopters have played in the development of the Wānaka region over many decades.”

Ed also acknowledged the importance of having a well-funded and effective search and rescue group in the Wānaka region.  

“You never really want to have to call on their services but it’s fantastic to know they are there and ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” he said.

PHOTO: Gavin Conroy