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Friday 1st February 2002

NORTHPOWER APPEAL REACHES TARGET

Northpower and Top Energy the two Electricity Lines Companies for Northland announced the final figure of the 2001 Electricity Helicopter Appeal campaign today.

Northpower and Top Energy handed over $150,159.45 to the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) which runs the Electricity Helicopter.

The 2001 Appeal had a slow start, but the Northland community pulled together in the end, to help keep our helicopter service in the air.

Top Energy and Northpower, who run the annual fund raising appeal, would like to thank all those who donated.

Mark Gatland Chief executive for Northpower said, "we have been associated with the Electricity Helicopter for the last 13 years. Northland has an extremely effective service backed up by the support of the community. Our experience is that the appeal is successful because of the public's recognition of the value of the helicopter service".

Roger deBray Chief Executive for Top Energy said, "Changes in the health sector have removed more and more of the health care capability from the rural areas. A high proportion of Top Energy's customers live and work in remote areas and are a considerable distance from help. The Electricity Helicopter is therefore particularly important to our customers, and we are delighted to be able to pass on donations collected on their behalf."

The appeal run annually goes towards the "standing costs" of the helicopter, such as pilots' wages, insurance, interest on loans, and training.

Since the helicopter service was launched 13 years ago over 4400 people have been carried in the Electricity Helicopter.

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