Cancer survivor Patinna, 12, (right) was accompanied in the chopper by her father Tavete Peleti, 44, and her brother BJ, 3, on a "magical" day of experiences. Photo / Supplied
Cancer survivor Patinna, 12, (right) was accompanied in the chopper by her father Tavete Peleti, 44, and her brother BJ, 3, on a "magical" day of experiences. Photo / Supplied
A brave Tauranga teenager has described her first ride in a helicopter and her jam-packed dream day of special events as a "magical" experience.
Those were the softly spoken words of 12-year-old Patinna Peleti to the Bay of Plenty Times moments after she landed back at the Tauranga Aero Clubhangar on Saturday.
The excited and slightly nervous teen was flown around Tauranga and Mount Maunganui and also landed on the beach of Matakana Island during her special flight.
The 30-minute chopper ride was part of financial services company One50 group's "dream day" of specially organised events for the plucky brain cancer survivor.
Patinna's day also included a ride in a Ferrari 488 GTB, hanging out with some of All Blacks Sevens players at Blake Park and a launch cruise around Tauranga Harbour.
Dale Radford sponsored the launch ride and Rockgas gave Patinna a fishing rod.
Patinna, also known as Tinna, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2019 and endured four surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy for more than a year.
The Tauranga Intermediate pupil has since recovered well and is now back at school full-time but still needs regular medical check-ups, her parents said.
One50 group financial adviser James Lowes said seeing Patinna so happy and excited made the months of planning so worthwhile.
"It is really cool, the generosity of people has been awesome. Tinna has gone through such a tough time and we wanted to do something special for her and her family.
"She's such a brave girl and the Peletis are a wonderful family," he said.
Tauranga teen Patinna Peleti, 12, moments before takeoff in a Robinson 44 chopper during her organised "dream day" of events. Photo/ Sandra Conchie
Patinna said she was particularly excited that her day started with a ride in a helicopter and landing on Matakana Island was an awesome first-time experience.
"It was magical and so cool. My sister and older brothers are so envious," she said, beaming. She also said she took lots of photos and videos to show them.
Chopper pilot Captain Lawrence Robinson, who hired the Primogrow Limited-owned Robinson 44 helicopter for the day, said it was a " pretty cool" experience and he felt "pretty fortunate" to share some of his exciting experiences with Patinna and her family.
Tauranga man Gary Chettleburgh owns the Ferrari and said he didn't hesitate when asked to be part of Patinna's dream day.
"Anything to make this young girl's day happier after such a tough time," he said.
Peleti family - Lamanga, 16, BJ, 3, dad Tavete, Patinna, 12, and her mum Polini after her daughter's chopper ride. Photo / Sandra Conchie
Patinna was accompanied in the chopper by her father Tavete Peleti, 44, and her brother BJ, 3.
Older sister Lamanga, 16, said: "Seeing Tinna so excited and really happy makes me happy too. She deserves this special day after going through a very hard time. "
"It's been a really great day for all of us. Tinna is buzzing, she is so happy," Tavete Peleti said.
Tinna's mother Polini Peleti, 45, said the family very grateful to everyone who made the day a reality.
"Seeing Tinna so happy warms my heart. This day has been a real boost not just for her but for the whole family. It's been really tough on all of us."
