Grateful campervan fans donate $1400

Brian Dudson presents a $1400 cheque to NEST pilot Sam Murtagh.

Two helicopter callouts by injured campervan fans while on a walk prompted them to donate half their fundraising purse during Labour Weekend to the air ambulance.

A cheque of $1400 was presented by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Northland to the Northland Emergency Services Trust in Whangarei.

Association's Northland area chairman Brian Dudson said each Labour Weekend his members have a combined rally with the Far North at Mahinepua, 21km north east of Kaeo, and the holiday weekend event attracted 106 campervans and about 200 people.

Various activities, he said, including a walk to the trig station took place as part of their fundraising drive.

He said an association member walking a track on his way to the trig station fell and broke his leg.

Because of the remote location, a rescue helicopter was called which transported him to the hospital.

Then on Sunday, a female member from Waipu fractured her ankle in three places and again the helicopter came to her rescue.

"Twice the helicopter was called so we decided to give half of what we raised or $1400 to the helicopter trust," Mr Dudson said.

"We do give them some money every year but we're giving more this year."

The Labour Weekend meet raises about $3000 each year.

In 2018, the association is planning a major Easter rally at Barge Park where 1000 campervans and more than 2000 people are expected.

NEST pilot Sam Murtagh thanked the association for their generosity, saying the trust relied heavily on the public and organisations to keep its services running.

The trust will celebrate its silver jubilee next month.