Helipad task achieved

MC IN ACTION: John Hawkesby cajoles the crowd to flex their credit card muscles.

BARBECUE BIDDERS: Johannes Jacobs and Craig Ross of Leaseplan will be enjoying a meal with two Waiheke knights.

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The vital role of the Westpac rescue helicopter has been demonstrated by punters' generosity at a fundraiser to create a purpose-built helipad on the island.

Ticketholders to the function at Man O' War Vineyard's tasting room cruised there courtesy of Fullers before tasting gastronomic delights by The Food Embassy which were washed down by an endless supply and selection of wines.

Guests were under no illusion as to why they were there.

MC John Hawkesby set them up for the live auction using techniques ranging from imploring through to embarrassing and begging.

He extracted bids for items including an evening at the Hawkesbys' home, a day out sailing with Brad Butterworth, and a celebratory barbecue with two Waiheke knights – Sir Peter Leitch and Sir Graham Henry.

An hour later and $76,000 had been raised.

The estimated cost of $120,000 for a new, permanent concrete landing pad was achieved when $30,000 of tickets sales and $25,000 from the silent auctions were added.

Event organiser and Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust trustee Michelle Boag says the target was reached thanks to the "fantastic" support from businesses.

"It was a very successful day and we are all keen for it to become an annual event."

Mr Hawkesby says the event made him proud to be a resident.

"There was incredible generosity shown by the community who are constantly hit up for all manner of worthy causes. It was another stunning indictment of what a generous, open hearted bunch we are."

"The occasion was a wonderful expression of people's generosity not only those bidding and the sponsors, but also those behind the scenes," he says.

The location and timing of the helipad project is with Auckland Council, but Local Board chairwoman Faye Storer says the trust has shown "laudable enterprise".

"That will no doubt make it become a reality much sooner," Ms Storer says.

- Waiheke Marketplace