NZ's Largest Sheep Dog Trials' Record-Breaking Support Of The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter

Scoop

10-07-2025

New Zealand's largest Sheep Dog trial event – Bayley's Sheep Dog Trials - kicked off on the 25th June to raise vital funds for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
From June 25th – 28th, this highly anticipated event attracted talented handlers and over 300 sheep dogs to the Fibre Fresh National Equestrian Centre in Aratiatia. Competitors came together in support of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter and the life-saving service it provides for visitors and the community of the Central Plateau and Lakes Region 24/7, 365 days a year. Now in it's third year, the event is continued with the perspective: 'they are there for you when you need them the most… Time to repay the favour'.
This year saw a record-breaking $36,000 raised entirely for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, bringing the total raised by the event over the three years to an outstanding $86,798.
Competitors were tasked with the challenge of instructing their dog to herd a group of sheep through a challenging course featuring nine obstacles, before finally guiding them into the final yard – all within 12 minutes. The competition was close this year, but Sheena Martin and her dog Shau took the top spot with an impressive final score of 98. 19-year old Holly Bird and her dog Jude were the winner of this year's 'Judges Choice' award, winning a Stihl Chainsaw package courtesy of Blackhills Fencing who have been long-standing supporters of the trials ever since it's inception in 2023.
The Bayley's Shield was also on the line this year. The Waikato team challenged the current title holders – King Country - resulting in a head to head on Saturday morning. It was another close challenge but the King Country Team were able to defend the shield, coming away with 429.5 points and Waikato with 419.5.
Along with many trials, this four-day event also had a number of other activities on offer including food trucks, auctions, retails stalls, and some incredible raffles.
One of these raffles included a fantastic kids' motorbike valued at $3,000 donated by Huka Honda. This went home with one lucky winner - Colin from Hawkes Bay.
Other raffle and auction items included:
Greenlea Premier Meats Vouchers
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Hangar Tour
Ārepa Drinks
Supermarket hampers donated by Pak N Save Taupo
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew members, Adam and Bondy came along to support the event on Friday and Saturday. They spoke to the crowd about how invaluable community support like this is for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, allowing them to always to be there on what is often the worst day of someone's life. Both were deeply impressed with the level of skill on display, and moved by how the community rallied together so tremendously, with plans already made to return next year.
"It's a true privilege to return to the Bayley's Sheep Dog Trials and be part of such a generous and supportive community that champions the work we do. Huge thanks to David and Sue Schaw, the amazing team at Bayley's Real Estate Taupō, and everyone who lent their support. Congratulations to all the well-deserved winners." – Bondy, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Air Crew Officer.
'This is a first for me, to be part of this great fundraiser and I already look forward to being part of it again next year.' – Adam, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Pilot.
The pair were joined by Peter, a past patient of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter who shared his story demonstrating how life-changing it was having the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter there after a tractor accident left him fighting for his life.
Event organiser and driving force behind the event, David Schaw also understands the impact of the service on a personal level. After being involved in an on-farm incident, David experienced first-hand how the skill and response time of the rescue helicopter makes a critical difference.
Much of the event's growth and outstanding success can be attributed to David's commitment to making each year more impactful than the last.
'Support the rescue helicopter today — you never know when you might need them.' – Dave Schaw.
The unwavering support of the Bayley's Sheep Dog Trials each year goes to show the special significance this event holds with residents of the Central Plateau and Lakes District, especially the rural community with the understanding that the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter is often the difference between life and death for many patients.
In 2024 alone, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was tasked to 90 rural or remote missions to provide life-saving care to patients in urgent need. This is among the 534 total missions attended by the rescue helicopter in 2024 and with every mission costing an average of $9,500, it's community support like this that makes the life-saving difference.
A heartfelt thank you to all those who came together to make this event such a success including sponsors, attendees, competitors, and especially event organisers David and Sue Schaw, and the hard-working team at Bayley's Real Estate led by Yvonne Westerman.
The fast response of the rescue helicopter and its highly trained crew ensures the patients receive the best care as quickly as possible. Because you never know when you'll need us… Donate to your Greenlea Rescue Helicopter at www.give.rescue.org.nz/grh-donate