The Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust Ranger Raffle, launched this week in partnership with Gisborne Motors Ford, More FM and Radio Ngāti Porou will raise funds to support the region’s lifesaving rescue helicopter service.

Just 3,000 tickets are available at $50 each, with the winner taking home a brand-new 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD V6 3.0L Double Cab, including on-road costs.

Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust Chair Ian Parker said the raffle was one of the Trust’s major fundraisers for the year and another way for the community to help support a service that is there when people need it most.

“Our rescue helicopter belongs to this community. Every day it is there for people across Tairāwhiti, from our most remote rural and coastal communities through to those needing urgent transfer to specialist hospital care,” Mr Parker said.

“We know how strongly people in our region value this service, and the Ranger Raffle is a chance for everyone to play a part in helping keep it flying.

“And, of course, one very lucky supporter is going to end up with a fantastic new Ford Ranger.”

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter responds to medical emergencies, serious accidents, search and rescue missions and urgent patient transfers.

For Tairāwhiti, where distance and isolation can make access to emergency and specialist healthcare challenging, the rescue helicopter provides a critical connection between communities and the care they need.

While government funding supports the operation of the service, the Trust relies on the generosity of local businesses, sponsors and the wider community to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support the service and help fund vital equipment.

Mr Parker said the Ranger Raffle continued a long tradition of Tairāwhiti people and businesses getting behind their rescue helicopter.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of this community.

“Whether it’s someone buying one $50 ticket, a business getting its team behind the raffle, or one of our local partners supporting the campaign, it all contributes.

“Most of us hope we’ll never need the rescue helicopter, but we want to know it will be there for our whānau, our friends and our communities when it is needed.”

Gisborne Motors Ford has partnered with the Trust to make the major fundraiser possible.

Local businesses are also being encouraged to get behind the campaign, with businesses purchasing 10 tickets or more receiving an exclusive Ranger Raffle supporter badge, a visit from the rescue helicopter team to share on social media, and a shout-out during the draw.

The raffle is limited to 3,000 tickets, with the winning ticket to be drawn on 18 November 2026.

Tickets cost $50 each and are available exclusively online at www.galabid.com/ranger.