Westpac NZ reports over $76,000 was raised last year in the Southland region for the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust.

This includes $46,000 raised from the nearly 50 riders who participated in the 11th annual Queenstown to Invercargill Chopper bike ride.

Phil Taylor, Westpac Invercargill bank manager and keen cyclist has taken part in the event since its inception in 2011.

“Our annual bike ride has been a great fundraiser over the years, and we’ve clocked up over $750,000 in donations over the last 11 years,” Mr Taylor says.

“With our mountain ranges and extensive farmland, the choppers have their work cut out for them saving lives. If a great day out on the bike can help support that, I’m in.”

Westpac NZ CEO Catherine McGrath said it was so impressive to see this kind of generosity and spirit from the community, particularly given the cost of living continuing to increase.

The bank's annual Chopper Appeal campaigns raised over $1.28m last year, which represents a 16% increase on the previous year.