Auction raises $113,000, rescue chopper trust chairman Willock steps down

It was a case of wins and losses at Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust’s biggest fundraiser of the year held at the Showgrounds Event Centre on Friday.

For the win, the more than 350 guests at the EHRT Bayleys Charity Auction helped raise $113,000 to support the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter.

But EHRT lost Patrick Willock, who has retired after 23 years with the trust, the last 22 as chairman.

“Because of that and because of all the work he has done for his community, this night is all about Patrick,” said EHRT member and MC Murray Ferris.

“He has unselfishly given of himself to many organisations over many, many years. Trust members, past and present, hope he enjoys his retirement, especially the time he will now be able to spend with family.”

Sir Derek Lardelli and members of his Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti kapa team were there to awhi Willock who, having been born and raised and then farmed at Whāngārā, has a special relationship with the rohe.

“Patrick is an incredible man who has totally dedicated his life to the betterment of others ... to the community and to all of us,” Lardelli said.

Among the waiata performed by the group was Kahutia Te Rangi, composed by Lardelli in reference to notable ancestor Paikea (whale rider).

The song celebrated Paikea as a great leader so it was appropriate for the occasion, he said.

“Patrick, too, has shown incredible leadership in driving the rescue helicopter service for our people and for our region.”

With his family’s history at Whāngārā dating back 140 years, it was hugely emotional to see local iwi there on the night, said Willock, who was honoured by guests, including friends, whānau and representatives of the rescue helicopter sector.

“Ours is the most rewarding community to represent in the absolute support and aroha we get to be a part of. We all live in an extremely challenging region so I will never stop agitating for the need for our people to be served by a fantastic rescue helicopter service.”

Representing the other four North Island rescue helicopter trusts that have partnered with EHRT, Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust chairman Blair O’Keefe said the quality of the service had vastly improved over the last seven years and that was “in no small way” due to Willock’s enormous contribution.

“Patrick has played a huge part in bringing together services across the North Island through outstanding leadership and a powerful ability to inspire teamwork in those around him.”

Although Willock’s retirement was a huge loss, the services would continue to work together from their bases “from Wellington to Waikato”, including an especially tight relationship between Gisborne and neighbouring Hawke’s Bay.

“We’ve got your back, Eastland, and we know you have ours,” O’Keefe said.

“We’ve all had a tough time over the last couple of years but our teams have worked together to make sure we can save as many lives as possible on a daily basis.”

A new EHRT chairman will be confirmed when work on the trust deed is finalised. For the interim, the trust voted for treasurer Ian Parker to fulfil that role while Willock works in an at-large capacity to complete projects in play.

Meanwhile, between the dinner and speeches and guests hitting the dance floor, there was a flurry of bidding led by master auctioneer Neville Clark, with farmer Mike Dodgshun securing the big-ticket fishing trip to American Samoa.

 EHRT had also been raffling the Gisborne Motors-sponsored Ford Ranger, valued at nearly $68,000, won by local builder Daniel Fogarty.

“It has been a challenging 12 months for the Eastland Rescue Helicopter team and we are always grateful when our supporters stand so strongly behind them,” Parker said as EHRT interim chairman.