Innovation and connection make the East Coast Farming Expo a winner in the eyes of the team behind Charteris Choppers.

The Wairoa-based helicopter company are the generous sponsors of the daily gate prize that sees every person coming through the gate over the two days of the Expo (February 23-24) have the chance to win a 10-minute scenic flight with a couple of mates in tow.

Blake and Sarah Charteris own and operate the company and Sarah says the innovation and connection around the Expo is a critical part of the agricultural industry. “We admire the passion of the Expo’s organisers and how they work tirelessly every year to bring a variety of speakers and exhibitors to Wairoa’s doorstep. It was a no-brainer for us to come on board and support such a wonderful initiative.”

Mrs Charteris says she and Blake, who is also one of the company’s pilots, feel it incredibly important they support Wairoa events where they can.

“Our relationship with the Expo is reciprocal,” says Mrs Charteris. “Sponsoring allows the organisers to add a fun element to the event with the winning flight, but also gives us a chance to keep up with innovation in the sector, while supporting an event that benefits a number of our clients.”

She said it was essential she and Blake kept up to speed with where things were heading, not just from a business perspective but also personal. “Blake and I both come from farming backgrounds on the East Coast and our families are still heavily involved in the farming sector so we enjoy the opportunity each year to look around the exhibitors and listen to the speakers.”

For them, much of the Expo was about the people who work in the agriculture sector in a small community. “It is a change of scene for the day and a chance to catch up with people, have a yarn and learn something new,” says Mrs Charteris, “and all in our own town which is central for the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast regions. We always come away having met with someone new or having learnt something really interesting.”

Isolation and regulation were a continual challenge for the industry. “The legal obligations on the sector continue to grow which in turn increases both the workload and stress, and of course can isolate people as they work from dawn till dusk, day after day.”

Mrs Charteris says that is why events like the Expo are so valuable, and particularly for the mental health of those working in the sector. “It encourages people to get out for the day, without having to travel too far, to connect, share stories, share ideas, offload about concerns if they need and get some questions answered. Talking is so crucial, as is a face to face connection. The Expo provides this opportunity for the sector to come together each year.”

Charteris Choppers offers agricultural, commercial and tourism services with its Hughes 500-D model and B3 Squirrel helicopters. Mr Charteris has spent more than a decade flying helicopters both in New Zealand and offshore.

To be in the draw for the daily Charteris Choppers’ flights, make sure your name is in the box at the gate before 1pm when the lucky person will be drawn. The competition will run both days of the Expo – weather dependant. Past winners have been thrilled to have a bird’s eye view of Wairoa. “It is always fun and they love seeing Wairoa from the sky!”

For more information on the Expo, head to www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz .

WHAT: East Coast Farming Expo

WHEN: February 23-24, 2022

WHERE: Wairoa A&P Showgrounds

MORE INFO: www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz