The winning men's team from the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust's annual golf tournament at Poverty Bay's Awapuni Links course were Draggnett 1, who shot a 9-under 63. Murray Jones, Tim Amess, John Partington and Jason Blair are pictured with EHRT events manager Sara McNaught.
The winning men's team from the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust's annual golf tournament at Poverty Bay's Awapuni Links course were Draggnett 1, who shot a 9-under 63. Murray Jones, Tim Amess, John Partington and Jason Blair are pictured with EHRT events manager Sara McNaught.
What started as a wet and drizzly Friday morning turned into a successful, sun-soaked afternoon at the 20th Craigs Investment Partners Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust Annual Charity Golf Day.
More than 150 players in 38 teams came together at Poverty Bay Golf Club for the annual fundraiser, supported by morethan 50 sponsors.
It culminated in $19,300 being raised for the Eastland Helicopter Rescue service.
The top women's team at the Eastland Helicopter Trust fundraising golf tournament in Gisborne were the Sherwood Station crew of (from left) Ness Vette, Kristina Williams, Megan Allen and Kate Williams.
Trust chairman Ian Parker said the day was a powerful showing of support from the Tairāwhiti community.
“Rain or shine, our community shows up for us, just like we show up for them we they need us most,” Parker said.
“This event is a reminder of just how much this service means to people right across the region.”
With 248 missions completed in 2025, the rescue helicopter provides a 24/7 critical lifeline for Tairāwhiti, delivering rapid emergency medical care to remote and rural communities, where distance and terrain can make access to hospital care challenging.
The charity day featured an 18-hole ambrose tournament, followed by a well-attended auction and prizegiving.
Draggnett 1 won the men’s division, Sherwood Station the women’s division and Team Richard Foon the mixed division.
Richard Foon, Carol Wells, Neville West and Dave Jenkins won the mixed team division of the 20th annual Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust fundraising golf tournament held on the Awapuni Links course in Gisborne on Friday.
The closest to the pin was won by Chris Taewa, of team AMFs, who have played in every Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust golf tournament over the years.
The end-of-the-day auction was well supported, with the standout item – a round of golf for four at the exclusive Te Arai Links course, including $1000 towards travel costs – fetching an impressive $4300 after a flurry of bids.
“We’re always blown away by how this event continues to grow, even in tough economic times,” Parker said.
“Every dollar raised helps ensure we can continue to deliver this life-saving service to our community.”
The rescue helicopter relies on a combination of government funding and community support, with events like the annual golf day playing a vital role in keeping the service operational.
“Our helicopter is a lifeline for this region,” Parker said.
“The ongoing support from our community, sponsors and volunteers ensures we can be there when people need us most – no matter where they are.”
