When something goes wrong up a mountain or on a lake or in a paddock, New Zealand's rescue helicopters are there.

That's why Westpac is using this year's Chopper Appeal to highlight the role of helicopter crews in our rugged, rural and remote outdoors – a place Westpac describes as ‘Chopper Country'.

More than 7000 missions were undertaken by local rescue helicopters last year including 203 in the Bay of Plenty region.

The Chopper Appeal aims to raise funds and continued awareness for the rescue helicopter services with all donations going back to the region they are collected from.

Westpac NZ General Manager of Consumer Bank and Wealth Simon Power says the helicopters mean the difference between life and death for many New Zealanders.

'Westpac has been a big supporter of the choppers because they're there for Kiwis when something unexpectedly goes wrong.

'They allow us to still do the things we want to do, from living in remote locations to exploring the far reaches of our beautiful country.

'That might mean going tramping in the Waiokea Gorge or rafting down the Kaituna River.”

The funding for this invaluable service comes from individuals in the community, fundraising activities, and sponsors like Westpac - a proud supporter for over 35 years.

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter base manager/pilot Liam Brettkelly says rescue helicopters save lives.

'It's a really simple, straightforward fact. But to save lives they need money. And that's where you come in.

'The people we rescue are just like you. They are someone's mum, daughter, friend, work-colleague, next-door neighbour. And all these people have one thing in common - they never thought they'd need a rescue helicopter.”

Running throughout May, the Westpac Chopper Appeal is supported by fundraising activities in schools and community centres, as well as a nationwide street appeal on Friday May 18.

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Appeal, and distributes all of the funds raised back to donors' local rescue helicopter trust.

Go to https://www.chopperappeal.co.nz for more information and to donate.