Former All Black Kees Meeuws has challenged pupils at St Mary's Primary School in Milton to raise money to support rescue helicopter services.
Meeuws also visited pupils at Stirling School, near Balclutha, yesterday, and St Joseph's in Oamaru on Thursday. The challenge is part of the Westpac Chopper Appeal month to raise funds for the 16 regional rescue helicopter trusts throughout New Zealand.
Schools are being encouraged to collect as much money as possible between May 2 and 31. The school that raises the most per pupil will receive a visit from All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in a Westpac rescue helicopter.
Meeuws played more than 40 test matches for the All Blacks and returned to play for the Otago Rugby Union in 2009 after playing overseas. At the time he ended his All Black career, he held the record for the most test match tries for a front-row forward, having scored 10 tries in 42 test matches.
He spoke about the importance of the local rescue service helicopter and its role in the community, and said he "jumped at the chance" to be involved.
"There's not much funding for the helicopter. I'm a hunter and I'd like to know that if something ever went wrong then there would be something to get there really quickly. A rescue helicopter is particularly important in rural areas."
Rescue helicopters make more than 5000 rescues each year and are operated by 16 charitable trusts nationwide.
Many of the helicopters act as flying intensive-care units, providing a 24-hour, seven-day service.
