“Every year we have a talk with the team about renewing it and every year they are keen to jump back on board,” he says.

“Our connections with rural communities in particular mean we too often hear stories of tragedies or near loss. Having access to the incredible service the rescue helicopter provides is hugely important to them, and to us.”

The Bayleys sponsorship frees EHRT to get on with the huge task of organising the annual auction.

The gala event is held at the Farmers Air Showgrounds Event Centre with more than 340 guests enjoying an incredible meal, live music, and spirited bidding led by father-and-son auctioneering team Neville and Cody Clark.

It was founded 20 years ago but, with a couple of cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is marking its 18th year.

The sold-out 2025 version will be held on Friday, September 12 and EHRT chair Ian Parker says they’ve put in the effort to make sure it remains a fresh and fun mainstay of the annual social calendar.

Among the tweaks this year are the return of the Gisborne Motors Ford-sponsored ute to the auction block; the addition of a Day In The Life segment featuring members of the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter team; and the rejigging of the meal format from set menu to a sumptuous buffet.

And EHRT events organiser Sara McNaught says she’s “fizzing” about the selection of experience packages that will be up for auction, including:

> The now traditional fishing trip for four to American Samoa, hosted by former EHRT chair, Patrick Willock;

> A big day out at the 150th Poverty Bay A&P Show with eight adults’ and eight childrens’ passes, reserved parking for two days, and $100 worth of Mahons Amusement coupons;

> A trip for four to Auckland to see English sensation Ed Sheeran in concert, including flights, accommodation and some treats to eat and drink;

> A luxurious getaway for four to Taupō, including a scenic cruise to see the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and a round (for two) at both Taupō Golf Club and Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary.

> A wonderful week in Wanaka including $2000 of travel vouchers, a four-bedroom townhouse, a scenic flight over some of Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Park’s largest glaciers, and Bike It Now e-Bike trips around Auripo (easy) and the Lake Dunstan Trail (grade 2).

There are experiences closer to home, too, along with smaller auction items, and Ian Parker says the trust is grateful for every contribution to help make its biggest annual fundraiser a success.

For his part, Simon Bousfield says Bayleys Gisborne remains committed to backing “the amazing Eastland Rescue Helicopter”.

“Our communities are great at banding together when times are tough,” he says, “and we want to join them in supporting this critical, life-saving service.”

CAPTION: SUPPORTING THE SERVICE: Bayleys Gisborne owner/manager Simon Bousfield and EHRT chair Ian Parker.