01-08-2025
A Night Out To Save Lives: Aerocool Rescue Helicopter Gala And Auction Evening
Press Release – Aerocool Rescue Helicopter
This exclusive event will bring together the Coastal Bay of Plenty community to honour the critical missions carried out by the regions rescue helicopter – now totaling an extraordinary 5,632 missions to date.
The Aerocool Rescue Helicopter Gala and Charity Auction, happening Friday 22 August 2025 in partnership with Westpac, comes with a dazzling incentive to support a truly life-saving cause. Incredible auction items are up for grabs, including:
A brilliant 14-karat, gold 0.70ct laboratory-grown diamond ring, valued at NZD $3,499, generously provided by Michael Hill Fine Jewellers – Bayfair
A signed and framed Richie McCaw 2015 Rugby World Cup #7 jersey and ball – thanks to Westpac and The Picture Frame Factory Shop – worth $1,000 • A luxe two-night retreat to Poronui Safari Camp for up to four guests, complete with top-tier accommodation and a $1,400 activity credit, total value $5,250
This exclusive event will bring together the Coastal Bay of Plenty community to honour the critical missions carried out by the region's rescue helicopter – now totaling an extraordinary 5,632 missions to date.
It's an emergency service close to the hearts of many, with former patients and supporters set to attend this special evening. Among them is Geoff, who suffered a brain aneurysm while out on a scenic run with his wife and their dog, Pablo. In many cases, such medical events carry a 50% fatality rate.
Knowing something was terribly wrong, Geoff's wife drove him straight to the nearest medical centre, where a passing doctor immediately recognised that Geoff was in serious danger and called 111.
Geoff was rushed to Tauranga Hospital, but he wasn't out of danger. Far from it. He needed urgent medical surgery to survive – at Waikato Hospital, which was about an 1 hour, 20- minute drive away.
Thankfully, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter arrived swiftly and flew Geoff to Waikato Hospital in just 15 minutes. That flight helped save his life, enabling him to receive critical surgery as quickly as possible.
Geoff recalled, 'I got to say to the crew…'you doing your job, to the best of your ability, has helped save my life.'' He is proud to support the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, ensuring it can be there for others in times of urgent need – because you never know when you'll need it.
The event will be hosted at the iconic Classic Flyers Aviation Museum in Mt Maunganui (9 Jean Batten Drive), guests will enjoy fine dining, bubbles on arrival, and live music by The Shy & Retiring Company Band. Adding to the sparkle, broadcasting legend Kerre Woodham, proudly sponsored by NZME & Newstalk ZB, will emcee the event.
All proceeds will fund future rescue missions, helping the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter continue its vital work across the region.
The night will feature several standout auction items, with bidding led by EVES award winning auctioneer Jordan Sievwright. And that's just the beginning. With many more exclusive experiences and items up for grabs, this is truly a night to remember. Come for the cause – stay for the celebration.
Tables are selling fast! Don't miss your chance to secure a seat – choose between Standard or Platinum options. Tickets available for purchase here >
auction/tickets
Background:
Philips Search & Rescue Trust (PSRT) is the charity responsible for fundraising and promotion of the North Island's largest pool of community rescue helicopters.
PSRT was founded in 1985 after an endowment by Philips New Zealand Limited to mark a light aircraft accident near Turangi in which two Philips personnel lost their lives.
Encompassing a fleet of rescue helicopters, the service provides air health and rescue services free of charge to the public on a no-fault basis. The rapid response is powered by an expert crew of Pilots, Air Crew Officers and Critical Care Flight Paramedics.
In a life and death situation it is this speed and agility of the rescue helicopter that can make all the difference, with patients able to receive medical treatment as soon as the rescue helicopter arrives and continuing whilst en route to a medical facility.
Philips Search & Rescue Trust fundraise for and support:
Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Waikato, King Country, Coromandel Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, Bay of Plenty Coastal Region
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, Central Plateau and Lake's Region
