At Abbott, supporting and protecting the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re thrilled to be part of the 2024/2025 Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson Helping Hands Helicopter House Build, a fantastic initiative to raise funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter.
The house is a showcase of local talent and community spirit with Nelson businesses donating their time and materials, services and expertise to help make the project cost neutral. Once completed, the stunning 134 sqm three-bedroom, two-bathroom home designed by Karsten Architecture and built by JR Construct will be auctioned on 22 March 2025 (unless sold prior), with all proceeds going to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Endowment Trust.
The rescue helicopter – a lifeline for the region
Now celebrating 33 years in operation, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter flew 435 missions in 2024 providing critical care and transport to patients in need. Each mission comes with a significant cost, and the service relies heavily on community support and fundraising to remain operational.
That’s why the Helicopter House Build is so vital. Every dollar raised contributes to ensuring this life-saving service continues to be there when it’s needed most.
Why Abbott is involved
As the local insurance partner for the Helicopter House Build, Abbott is providing insurance cover throughout the construction process, helping to safeguard this incredible community effort. Mark Rogers, our Nelson branch manager, shared his thoughts on why this project is so important:
“The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter is an essential service, responding to hundreds of callouts each year and saving countless lives across our region. When we heard about the Helicopter House Build, we knew it was a perfect fit for Abbott.
“Supporting this initiative allows us to give back to an essential service that has benefitted so many in our community, and it’s a privilege to collaborate with the incredible Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter crew and the team of fellow sponsors, local businesses and volunteers making this all possible.”
How you can get involved
Since 2017, the Helicopter House Build project has built and auctioned three houses, raising more than $600,000 for the Nelson Marlborough Helicopter Endowment Trust, and with this year’s build being the biggest to date, organisers are hoping for the best auction result yet.
Here’s how you can show your support.
- Donate
Be part of the build and help save lives by making an online donation. Every contribution helps make the Heli House Build cost neutral, allowing more of the auction proceeds to go directly to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Endowment Fund Trust.
- Follow the journey
Visit the Helicopter House Build Facebook page to stay up to date with the project or, if you’re in the area, take a look next time you’re passing the build site located at 99 Quarantine Road, just past Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson’s Trade Department.
- Make a bid at auction
If you’re in the market for a new home, you can view the Cooper Group’s Heli House property listing here and keep an eye out for open home and auction updates.
The house is being constructed on temporary piles so it can be easily relocated for its new owners.
A shared commitment to community
At Abbott, we’re proud to be part of such a collaborative and meaningful project. It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about bringing our community together to support a service that touches the lives of so many.
As Mark Rogers puts it, “At Abbott, we believe in protecting what matters most. By supporting the Helicopter House Build, we’re not just protecting a house—we’re helping to protect lives. That’s a commitment we’re proud to stand behind.”
Disclaimer
The information in these articles is general information only, is provided free of charge and does not constitute professional or personal financial advice. We try to keep the information up to date. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, in relation to this article – including (without limitation) warranties as to accuracy, completeness and fitness for any particular purpose. Please seek independent advice before acting on any information in this article.
