Huge community support for Cromwell’s new helipad means contractors have started with the work set to be finished sometime in April.

The $80,000 project was a joint initiative between the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust, and the Cromwell Lions - who were in charge of fundraising.

But a generous donation from the Beck Foundation, along with a local cherry grower, the Southland Ford Falcon club from the Cromwell Classic & Hot Rod Festival, and a real estate golf tournament fundraiser, meant the committee was full steam ahead.

Cromwell Community Emergency Helipad project organiser Pete Moen said they were excited to announce that siteworks had already commenced, and 13 local businesses were involved with the building of the helipad at the aerodrome - either by donating materials or carrying out the work.

Cromwell Lions managed to raise $33,600 in products and services from local businesses to get the project underway.

Rocket man Sir Peter Beck was the biggest surprise donor, having read about the emergency rescue helipad project while holidaying in the area over Christmas.

Peter said Cromwell Lions and the helipad committee were “overwhelmed” by the support of the Cromwell community.  

The rescue helicopters currently landed on the grass at the northern end of the airstrip, and patients were transferred from an ambulance, which was not helpful because of the uneven surface.

The new emergency helipad consisted of a 12m diameter concrete area to land and separate area for ambulances to park, eight specialised aviation perimeter lights, an illuminated windsock, as well as fencing and signage.

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