The Northland Rescue Helicopter is preparing to celebrate 30 years in the air

For the next few weeks, the service will be involved in numerous activities in the far north as part of its annual fundraising appeal.

Paul Ahlers (ARE-liz), chairman of the Northland Emergency Services Trust, says the helicopter is an important part of the community.

He says it's because most people in Northland have either themselves or someone they know been in the chopper and it's made a significant difference to their life or to the life of a loved one.

Last year over three hundred thousand was raised in public donations... and the aim is to raise a similar amount this year due to the increasing operational costs facing the air ambulance service.