One in four of New Zealanders say they've needed the potentially lifesaving support of New Zealand's rescue helicopters, or know someone who has, according to Westpac NZ research.
Last year, 9,330 potentially lifesaving missions were flown by the national network of rescue helicopters - including 1,034 in the Auckland and Coromandel regions - and the need for fundraising support grows every year as operational costs rise.
Chopper Appeal Month begins today, Friday 1 May, and Westpac NZ Chief Executive Catherine McGrath is encouraging New Zealanders who are able to, to show their support by donating.
"The fact that one in four of us have needed a rescue chopper, or know someone who has, shows that you just never know when you or someone you love might be helped by this potentially lifesaving service," Ms McGrath says.
"We know things are tough out there at the moment, and many won't feel like they're in a position to donate. Every donation - no matter how big or small - will make a meaningful difference.
"We've been supporting the choppers for more than 40 years. This is a longstanding partnership that is so important to us, and our teams across Aotearoa, like all New Zealanders, really value the wonderful work the rescue chopper crews do all day, every day, to help keep our communities safe."
The survey also found that three-quarters of people support their workplace contributing to the Chopper Appeal in some way. With that in mind, Westpac has added additional resources to its Westpac Chopper Appeal website to help get businesses and their people get involved.
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Chair, Jane Sheetz, says the money raised goes towards things like new equipment, maintenance, and staff training.
"Like everything, these things cost more and more each year, and we rely on the generosity our community to keep our choppers in the air providing first class medical care in their times of greatest need," she says.
People wishing to make a donation or find out more can visit www.chopperappeal.co.nz.
Local case study: Twelve days before Christmas Day, a weekend hike with friends quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal for Daniel.
Survey tables:
Note: Percentages may not total to 100% due to rounding.
How important do you think the rescue helicopter service is in keeping New Zealanders safe?
Very important |
85% |
Somewhat important |
11% |
Neutral |
4% |
Not very important |
0% |
Not at all important |
1% |
Don't know |
0% |
Have you, or anyone you know, ever used the services of the rescue helicopter?
Yes, I have used the services of the rescue helicopter |
8% |
Yes, someone I know has used the services of the rescue helicopter |
17% |
No, never used the services of the rescue helicopter |
74% |
Don't know |
2% |
How would you feel about your employer contributing to the Westpac Chopper Appeal?
Very supportive |
52% |
Somewhat supportive |
23% |
Neutral |
19% |
Not very supportive |
1% |
Not at all supportive |
1% |
My employer already contributes |
1% |
Don't know |
3% |
Survey was conducted on the Ideally research platform on 11 February 2026. It was completed by 388 respondents aged between 18 and 80, with the margin of error of 5.0% at a 95% level of confidence.
In addition to Westpac's sponsorship arrangements with four rescue helicopter trusts, Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of Chopper Appeal and distributes all funds raised back to donors' local trust.
Westpac teams will be shaking buckets on street corners around the country on the annual Chopper Street Appeal Day on Wednesday 6 May, with other fundraising activities during month including quiz nights, auctions, gala ball, and the Chopper Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill.
